The answer is denied because the explicit deny overrides the allow policy. In AWS IAM and similar access control systems, any deny statement takes precedence over any allow statement, regardless of the order in which they appear. Here, the policy allows access from the 10.0.0.0/16 range but then includes a more specific deny for the 10.0.1.0/24 subnet; since the user’s IP 10.0.1.5 falls within that denied subnet, the explicit deny overrides the broader allow, blocking the download. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this concept tests your understanding of IAM policy evaluation logic, often appearing in scenario-based questions where a seemingly permissive rule is overridden by a narrower deny. A common trap is assuming that a more specific allow can beat a general deny, but the rule is absolute: deny always wins. Remember the mnemonic “Deny Dominates”—once a deny matches, the decision is final, no matter what allows exist.
ISC2 CC Security Principles Practice Question
This CC practice question tests your understanding of security principles. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Denied because the deny statement overrides
The policy includes both an allow for the 10.0.0.0/16 range and a more specific deny for the 10.0.1.0/24 subnet. Since 10.0.1.5 falls within the deny condition, the explicit deny overrides the allow, resulting in denied access.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Denied because the deny statement overrides
Why this is correct
Correct. Explicit deny takes precedence over allow.
Implicit deny exists but the explicit deny is the direct reason; the result is the same but the explanation is less precise.
✗
Allowed because the allow statement matches
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The deny statement is more specific and overrides the allow.
✗
Allowed because the deny statement is invalid
Why it's wrong here
The deny statement is syntactically valid and enforced.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
→Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
→Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
→Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
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. Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets. 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 block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related CC subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Security Principles — This question tests Security Principles — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Denied because the deny statement overrides — The policy includes both an allow for the 10.0.0.0/16 range and a more specific deny for the 10.0.1.0/24 subnet. Since 10.0.1.5 falls within the deny condition, the explicit deny overrides the allow, resulting in denied access.
What should I do if I get this CC question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related CC subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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