Quick Answer
The answer is defense in depth, because relying solely on a VPN for healthcare data protection violates the core principle that security must be layered. In this scenario, the CEO’s push for convenience from any device ignores the reality that a single control—like a VPN—can be bypassed, leaving plain-text patient records exposed. The defense in depth principle requires multiple, overlapping safeguards such as encryption at rest, access controls, network segmentation, and endpoint security, which together ensure compliance with HIPAA even if one layer fails. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this concept tests your understanding that security is not a silver bullet; a common trap is choosing “risk acceptance” when stronger controls are feasible, but the exam expects you to prioritize layered defenses over convenience. Memory tip: think of an onion—each layer matters, and peeling one away still leaves others protecting the core data.
This CC practice question tests your understanding of security principles. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 healthcare organization uses a legacy application that stores patient records in plain text. The IT team is planning to upgrade the system but needs to ensure compliance with HIPAA. The new system will be hosted on-premises and accessed by doctors and nurses via a web portal. The security team proposes implementing a VPN for remote access, but the CEO wants to allow access from any device without VPN for convenience. Which principle should guide the decision?
Defense in depth
Defense in depth emphasizes multiple layers; a VPN alone is insufficient.
Least privilege
Why wrong: Least privilege addresses access permissions, not the overall security architecture.
Security is an enabler
Why wrong: Security is an enabler supports business, but not the primary guide here.
Risk acceptance
Why wrong: Risk acceptance is not the best approach when stronger controls are feasible.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Defense in depth
Defense in depth emphasizes multiple layers of security; a VPN alone is insufficient to protect sensitive health records. The CEO's request sacrifices security for convenience, and risk acceptance is not the best approach when stronger controls are feasible.
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.
Defense in depth
Why this is correct
Defense in depth emphasizes multiple layers; a VPN alone is insufficient.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Least privilege
Why it's wrong here
Least privilege addresses access permissions, not the overall security architecture.
Security is an enabler
Why it's wrong here
Security is an enabler supports business, but not the primary guide here.
Risk acceptance
Why it's wrong here
Risk acceptance is not the best approach when stronger controls are feasible.
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.
Security Principles — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Security Principles practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All CC questions
500 questions across all exam domains
ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
CC practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise CC questions linked to Access Controls Concepts.
Practise CC questions linked to Business Continuity, DR & Incident Response.
Practise CC questions linked to Security Principles.
Practise CC questions linked to Network Security.
Practise CC questions linked to Security Operations.
Practise CC questions linked to CC fundamentals.
Practise CC questions linked to CC scenario.
Practise CC questions linked to CC troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Security Principles — This question tests Security Principles — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: Defense in depth — Defense in depth emphasizes multiple layers of security; a VPN alone is insufficient to protect sensitive health records. The CEO's request sacrifices security for convenience, and risk acceptance is not the best approach when stronger controls are feasible.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A company is designing a secure network architecture for its new headquarters. The security team proposes implementing multiple layers of security controls, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and access control lists. Which security principle is being primarily applied?
mediumWhy A: Correct: Defense in depth uses multiple layers of security to protect assets. Option A is wrong because least privilege limits access rights; Option B is wrong because separation of duties divides tasks among multiple people; Option D is wrong because need-to-know restricts access to information necessary for job functions.
Variation 2. A company is designing a new authentication system for remote employees. They want to ensure that if one authentication factor is compromised, the system remains secure. Which security principle should they apply?
mediumWhy D: Defense in depth is the correct principle because it involves implementing multiple layers of security controls so that if one authentication factor is compromised, other layers still protect the system. In this scenario, requiring multiple authentication factors (e.g., password plus biometric or token) ensures that a single compromised factor does not grant full access, maintaining overall system security.
Keep practising
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.