The correct answer is separation of duties, as the scenario describes a clear separation of duties violation where one administrator holds the conflicting powers to create accounts, assign privileges, and review audit logs. This principle is violated because it combines operational control (creating and assigning privileges) with oversight (reviewing logs), eliminating the checks and balances needed to prevent fraud or error. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this concept tests your understanding of foundational access control and risk management principles; a common trap is confusing it with least privilege, but remember that separation of duties focuses on dividing conflicting tasks among different people, not just limiting permissions. A useful memory tip is the “two-person rule” or the phrase “no single key to the kingdom”—if one person can both do the work and check the work, the principle is broken.
ISC2 CC Security Principles Practice Question
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.
During a security audit, it is discovered that a single administrator can create user accounts, assign privileges, and review audit logs. Which principle is most likely being violated?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Separation of duties
Separation of duties requires that conflicting critical tasks be performed by different individuals to prevent fraud or error. The administrator has both operational and oversight roles, violating this principle.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Separation of duties
Why this is correct
Correct. The combination of account creation, privilege assignment, and audit review in one person violates separation of duties.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Least privilege
Why it's wrong here
While the administrator may have too much privilege, the core issue is conflicting duties, not just excessive access.
✗
Need to know
Why it's wrong here
Need to know restricts access based on job necessity; not directly violated here.
✗
Defense in depth
Why it's wrong here
Defense in depth is about layered controls; not directly related to single-person control.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CC question in full detail.
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 — This question tests Security Principles — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Separation of duties — Separation of duties requires that conflicting critical tasks be performed by different individuals to prevent fraud or error. The administrator has both operational and oversight roles, violating this principle.
What should I do if I get this CC question wrong?
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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