Quick Answer
The answer is Defense in depth, because the scenario describes a single point of failure—a misconfigured web server exposing a database—that a layered security strategy would have mitigated. Defense in depth requires multiple, overlapping controls such as network segmentation, host-based firewalls, and access controls, so that if one layer fails, others still protect the data. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this principle is frequently tested by presenting a breach where a single control was bypassed, and the trap is to confuse it with least privilege or fail securely. A common memory tip is to think of an onion: each layer adds protection, so no single slice (or misconfiguration) can reach the core.
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.
A company's security policy requires that all sensitive data be encrypted at rest and in transit. However, a recent breach occurred because an attacker exploited a misconfigured web server that exposed a database directly. Which principle was most lacking in this scenario?
Least privilege
Why wrong: Least privilege was not the primary missing principle.
Fail securely
Why wrong: Fail securely ensures security on failure, not relevant here.
Complete mediation
Why wrong: Complete mediation checks every access, but the issue was lack of layers.
Defense in depth
Defense in depth would have prevented single point of failure.
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 would have added additional controls such as network segmentation and access controls to prevent a single misconfiguration from compromising data. Option A (Fail securely) ensures secure state on failure. Option B (Complete mediation) checks every access. Option D (Least privilege) is about permissions.
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.
Least privilege
Why it's wrong here
Least privilege was not the primary missing principle.
Fail securely
Why it's wrong here
Fail securely ensures security on failure, not relevant here.
Complete mediation
Why it's wrong here
Complete mediation checks every access, but the issue was lack of layers.
Defense in depth
Why this is correct
Defense in depth would have prevented single point of failure.
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 team runs a vulnerability scan on a web application and discovers an unpatched SQL injection flaw. The team prioritises remediation by CVSS score — critical flaws are patched within 24 hours, high within 7 days. Questions like this test whether you understand vulnerability management processes, scanning tools, and remediation prioritisation.
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
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FAQ
Security Principles — This question tests Security Principles — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: Defense in depth — Defense in depth would have added additional controls such as network segmentation and access controls to prevent a single misconfiguration from compromising data. Option A (Fail securely) ensures secure state on failure. Option B (Complete mediation) checks every access. Option D (Least privilege) is about permissions.
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 has implemented a policy where all employees must use a smart card and PIN to access the data center. Which security principle does this practice support?
easyWhy B: The use of both a smart card (something you have) and a PIN (something you know) creates a multi-factor authentication mechanism. This layered approach ensures that even if one factor is compromised, the other still provides protection, which is the core of the defense-in-depth principle. Defense in depth is about implementing multiple, overlapping security controls rather than relying on a single point of defense.
Variation 2. A company's security policy requires that all sensitive data be encrypted both at rest and in transit. This is an example of applying which security principle?
mediumLast 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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