The answer is granting a user read-only access to a file they need to view and assigning a database administrator only the necessary permissions for their job. These two options directly embody the principle of least privilege by restricting access to the absolute minimum required to perform a specific task, reducing the attack surface and limiting potential damage from accidental or malicious actions. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this concept tests your ability to distinguish between access control and other security controls like defense in depth or backup procedures; a common trap is confusing least privilege with layered security or physical safeguards. To remember this, think of the "need-to-know" rule: if a user doesn't need write or delete access to do their job, don't give it to them. A simple mnemonic is "R.O.A.D." — Read Only, Assign Duties — meaning you grant only the read permissions needed and assign roles with just the duties required.
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.
Which TWO of the following are examples of implementing the principle of least privilege?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "least"
Why it matters: You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Assigning a database administrator only the permissions required for their specific tasks
Correct: Granting a user only read access to a file (A) and assigning a database administrator only the necessary permissions for their job (B) both restrict privileges to the minimum required. Option C is an example of defense in depth; Option D is a backup procedure; Option E is a physical control.
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.
✗
Installing a security camera at the data center entrance
Why it's wrong here
This is a physical security control.
✓
Assigning a database administrator only the permissions required for their specific tasks
Why this is correct
This minimizes privileges to job duties.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "least" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Requiring two-factor authentication for system administrators
Why it's wrong here
This is an authentication mechanism, not privilege restriction.
✗
Implementing a firewall to block all incoming traffic except on port 443
Why it's wrong here
This is a network security control, not least privilege.
✓
Granting a user read-only access to a file they need to view
Why this is correct
This restricts permissions to only what is needed.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "least" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
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: Assigning a database administrator only the permissions required for their specific tasks — Correct: Granting a user only read access to a file (A) and assigning a database administrator only the necessary permissions for their job (B) both restrict privileges to the minimum required. Option C is an example of defense in depth; Option D is a backup procedure; Option E is a physical control.
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: "least". You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which THREE of the following are examples of the principle of least privilege? (Select THREE.)
medium
✓ A.Granting a user only the permissions needed to perform their job
B.Giving all employees full access to the file server
✓ C.Allowing a contractor access only during their contract period
✓ D.Providing read-only access to a database for a reporting analyst
E.Assigning administrator rights to all employees by default
Why A: Option A is correct because the principle of least privilege dictates that a user should be granted only the permissions necessary to perform their job functions. This minimizes the attack surface and limits potential damage from accidental or malicious actions. In practice, this means assigning specific roles or access control lists (ACLs) rather than broad permissions.
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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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.
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