Quick Answer
The correct answer is availability because a high false negative rate directly prevents legitimate users from accessing systems, which is the core definition of an availability failure. In biometrics, the false negative rate measures how often the system incorrectly rejects an authorized person, and when that rate is elevated—such as the 2% in this scenario—it creates a bottleneck where valid users are locked out, degrading system access and uptime. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between the CIA triad principles in the context of biometric performance metrics; a common trap is to confuse a high false negative rate with a confidentiality breach, but confidentiality is compromised by false positives (unauthorized access), not by rejecting legitimate users. Remember the memory tip: “False negatives deny the good guys—that’s an availability problem.”
This CC practice question tests your understanding of security principles. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
A security architect is evaluating a biometric authentication system. The system's false positive rate is 0.1%, and the false negative rate is 2%. Which security principle is most compromised if the organization prioritizes user convenience over security?
Confidentiality
Why wrong: Confidentiality is more impacted by false positives (unauthorized access), but false negatives affect legitimate users.
Non-repudiation
Why wrong: Non-repudiation is about preventing denial of actions, not authentication errors.
Availability
A high false negative rate denies access to legitimate users, reducing availability.
Integrity
Why wrong: Integrity of data is not directly impacted by authentication errors.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Availability
A low false positive rate means few unauthorized users are authenticated, but a high false negative rate can lock out legitimate users, affecting availability. If convenience is prioritized, the false negative rate might be reduced by lowering thresholds, increasing false positives and compromising security (confidentiality/integrity). However, the immediate principle affected by a high false negative rate is availability because legitimate users cannot access systems. Option C is correct. Option A (confidentiality) is more related to false positives. Option B (integrity) is not direct. Option D (non-repudiation) is about accountability.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Confidentiality
Why it's wrong here
Confidentiality is more impacted by false positives (unauthorized access), but false negatives affect legitimate users.
Non-repudiation
Why it's wrong here
Non-repudiation is about preventing denial of actions, not authentication errors.
Availability
Why this is correct
A high false negative rate denies access to legitimate users, reducing availability.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Integrity
Why it's wrong here
Integrity of data is not directly impacted by authentication errors.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
Identify which CC exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Security Principles — This question tests Security Principles — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Availability — A low false positive rate means few unauthorized users are authenticated, but a high false negative rate can lock out legitimate users, affecting availability. If convenience is prioritized, the false negative rate might be reduced by lowering thresholds, increasing false positives and compromising security (confidentiality/integrity). However, the immediate principle affected by a high false negative rate is availability because legitimate users cannot access systems. Option C is correct. Option A (confidentiality) is more related to false positives. Option B (integrity) is not direct. Option D (non-repudiation) is about accountability.
Identify which CC exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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.
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