This CC practice question tests your understanding of security principles. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
An organization's security policy requires that all access to sensitive data must be approved by a data owner. An administrator configures a system to enforce this. Which principle is being implemented?
Accountability
Why wrong: Accountability tracks actions.
Least privilege
Why wrong: Least privilege limits access to minimum necessary but doesn't require separate approval.
Non-repudiation
Why wrong: Non-repudiation prevents denial.
Authorization
Authorization enforces permissions based on approval.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Authorization
Correct: B - Authorization. Authorization determines what actions an authenticated user is permitted to perform, based on approval. Option A is wrong because least privilege is about limiting access to the minimum necessary, but does not mandate a separate approver. Option C is wrong because accountability tracks actions. Option D is wrong because non-repudiation prevents denial.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Accountability
Why it's wrong here
Accountability tracks actions.
Least privilege
Why it's wrong here
Least privilege limits access to minimum necessary but doesn't require separate approval.
Non-repudiation
Why it's wrong here
Non-repudiation prevents denial.
Authorization
Why this is correct
Authorization enforces permissions based on approval.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Common exam traps
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
A security analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CC questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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FAQ
Security Principles — This question tests Security Principles — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: Authorization — Correct: B - Authorization. Authorization determines what actions an authenticated user is permitted to perform, based on approval. Option A is wrong because least privilege is about limiting access to the minimum necessary, but does not mandate a separate approver. Option C is wrong because accountability tracks actions. Option D is wrong because non-repudiation prevents denial.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CC questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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