ISC2 CC Access Controls Concepts Practice Question
An organization wants to ensure that even if an attacker compromises a user's account, the damage is limited. Which principle is most directly applied?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Least privilege
Least privilege reduces the blast radius of an account compromise.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Least privilege
Why this is correct
Least privilege minimizes permissions, reducing potential damage.
- ✗
Separation of duties
Why it's wrong here
Separation of duties prevents fraud by splitting tasks, not limiting account damage.
- ✗
Defense in depth
Why it's wrong here
Defense in depth uses multiple controls, but doesn't directly limit damage from compromised account.
- ✗
Need-to-know
Why it's wrong here
Need-to-know restricts data access, but permissions might still be broad.
Quick reference
AAA Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port(s) | Encryption | Transport | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RADIUS | 1812 / 1813 | Password only | UDP | Network access control |
| TACACS+ | 49 | Full packet | TCP | Device administration |
| Diameter | 3868 | Full session | TCP / SCTP | Carrier / mobile networks |
| 802.1X | — | EAP-based | Layer 2 | Port-based access control |
TACACS+ encrypts the entire packet; RADIUS only encrypts the password field — a key exam distinction.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Incident Response and Management
Key term
Remote Authentication Dial-in User Service
RADIUS is a network protocol that provides centralized authentication, authorization, and accounting for users trying to connect to a network service.
Key term
Access control
Access control is the security practice of determining who or what is allowed to view, use, or enter a resource, and under what conditions.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CC practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CC exam.