hardMultiple Choice
ISC2 CC Practice Question: In a typical Windows environment, which access…
In a typical Windows environment, which access control model is used for managing file permissions?
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 often tests the misconception that Windows uses RBAC because of Active Directory groups, but AD groups are merely a convenience for assigning DAC permissions, not a role-based system; the key distinction is that DAC gives discretion to the resource owner, while RBAC assigns permissions based on organizational roles defined by an administrator.
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
✓
Discretionary Access Control (DAC)
In a typical Windows environment, file permissions are managed using Discretionary Access Control (DAC), where the owner of a resource (e.g., a file or folder) can grant or deny access to other users or groups. This is implemented via NTFS permissions, which allow the owner to set ACLs (Access Control Lists) on objects, giving them discretion over who can read, write, or execute. Windows does not enforce a system-wide policy beyond the owner's decisions, which is the hallmark of DAC.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Discretionary Access Control (DAC)
Why this is correct
Discretionary Access Control (DAC) is the model Windows uses for file permissions: each object's owner sets access via access control lists (ACLs), granting or denying rights to specific users and groups. This satisfies the stem's requirement for the standard access control model managing file permissions in a typical Windows environment.
- ✗
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
Why it's wrong here
Windows file permissions are assigned per user or group through discretionary access control lists, where each object's owner sets access. RBAC governs access by job role, which suits enterprise application authorisation, not NTFS permission management.
- ✗
Mandatory Access Control (MAC)
Why it's wrong here
Windows NTFS permissions are discretionary: object owners grant access at their discretion. MAC enforces system-wide labels no user can override, as in SELinux or TrustedBSD, so it does not describe standard Windows file permission management.
- ✗
Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC)
Why it's wrong here
Windows file permissions are governed by discretionary access control lists, assigning rights to named users and groups per object, not by evaluating attributes as ABAC does. ABAC is tempting because it offers fine-grained, policy-driven authorisation, but it suits cloud or zero-trust systems, not NTFS permissions.
Visual reference
Quick reference
Access Control Model Comparison
| Model | Acronym | Who Controls Access? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary Access Control | DAC | Resource owner | Small teams, file shares |
| Mandatory Access Control | MAC | System / security labels | Classified govt / military |
| Role-Based Access Control | RBAC | Administrator (via roles) | Enterprise environments |
| Attribute-Based Access Control | ABAC | Policy engine (user + resource attributes) | Fine-grained, dynamic policies |
| Rule-Based Access Control | RuBAC | System rules / ACLs | Firewall rules, network ACLs |
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Access Control Fundamentals
Key term
Policy
A policy is a set of rules or guidelines that defines how an organization manages, secures, and operates its IT systems and services.
Key term
Least privilege
Least privilege is a security principle that means giving users, systems, or programs only the minimum permissions they need to do their job and nothing more.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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