hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
ISC2 CC Practice Question: During a security audit, it is found that a…
During a security audit, it is found that a database administrator can access payroll data. The company policy states that administrators should not have access to sensitive HR data. Which security principle is being violated?
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 often tests the distinction between least privilege and separation of duties, where candidates mistakenly choose least privilege because they focus on the 'should not have access' phrasing, but the real violation is the combination of conflicting roles, not just excessive permissions.
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
✓
Separation of duties
The scenario describes a single database administrator having both the ability to access and modify payroll data, which combines operational and oversight roles. Separation of duties (SoD) is the principle that requires splitting critical tasks and privileges among multiple individuals to prevent fraud or error. Here, the administrator's access violates SoD because they can both manage the database and view sensitive HR data, which should require separate authorization.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Accountability
Why it's wrong here
Accountability is about logging actions, not access control.
- ✗
Least privilege
Why it's wrong here
Least privilege is about minimal access, but the issue is that the DBA should not have any access to payroll.
- ✓
Separation of duties
Why this is correct
Correct. The DBA should not have access to payroll data.
- ✗
Privacy
Why it's wrong here
Privacy is a concern, but the violation is separation of duties.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to Security Principles
Key term
Audit
An audit is a systematic, independent review of IT systems, processes, and controls to verify compliance with policies, standards, and regulations.
Key term
Separation of duties
Separation of duties is a security principle that splits critical tasks and privileges among multiple people to prevent fraud, errors, and abuse of power.
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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.