The correct next step is to check for explicit deny permissions on the folder. This is because in Windows and most modern file systems, an explicit deny permission overrides any allow permissions, even if the user is a member of the correct group with full access rights. When a user suddenly loses access despite valid group membership, the most direct cause is often a deny entry applied directly to the user or a group they belong to, which takes precedence over inherited or explicit allows. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this concept tests your understanding of the NTFS permission hierarchy and the principle that deny trumps allow. A common trap is to assume group membership alone guarantees access, but explicit deny permissions can silently block it. Remember the memory tip: “Deny always defies allow”—when troubleshooting access issues, always check for deny entries before diving into more complex settings.
ISC2 CC Access Controls Concepts Practice Question
This CC practice question tests your understanding of access controls concepts. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 user reports that they are unable to access a shared network drive that they previously could access. The administrator checks permissions and finds the user's account is still a member of the correct group. What should the administrator check next?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Check for explicit deny permissions on the folder
Even if group membership is correct, explicit deny permissions can override allow permissions. Checking for deny entries on the folder is a logical next step. User lockout would affect all accesses. Effective permissions would show the combined result but checking for denies is more direct. Password expiration is a login issue, not a permissions issue.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Group membership inheritance
Why it's wrong here
Inheritance might affect permissions, but the user is already in the correct group.
✗
User account lockout status
Why it's wrong here
Lockout would prevent all network access, not just this drive.
✓
Check for explicit deny permissions on the folder
Why this is correct
Deny entries override allows and can cause access issues even with correct group membership.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Effective permissions
Why it's wrong here
Effective permissions show the result, but checking for denies is a more direct diagnostic step.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Effective permissions show the result, but checking for denies is a more direct diagnostic step.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
The first matching ACL entry is used.
There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
→Check inbound versus outbound direction.
→Read the ACL from top to bottom.
→Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
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. ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement. 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 ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related CC ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Access Controls Concepts — This question tests Access Controls Concepts — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Check for explicit deny permissions on the folder — Even if group membership is correct, explicit deny permissions can override allow permissions. Checking for deny entries on the folder is a logical next step. User lockout would affect all accesses. Effective permissions would show the combined result but checking for denies is more direct. Password expiration is a login issue, not a permissions issue.
What should I do if I get this CC question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related CC ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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