Quick Answer
The answer is Mandatory Access Control (MAC). MAC is the correct choice because it enforces access decisions by comparing security labels assigned to every subject—such as a user or process—and every object, like a file or resource, against a centrally defined security policy, such as Bell-LaPadula or Biba. This label-based enforcement means the system, not the data owner, controls all access, making MAC the only model that fits the definition of using subject and object labels to enforce access. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this question tests your understanding of how MAC differs from Discretionary Access Control (DAC) or Role-Based Access Control (RBAC); a common trap is confusing MAC labels with DAC permissions or RBAC roles. Remember the key distinction: in MAC, labels are mandatory and system-enforced, not user-assigned. A helpful memory tip is to think “MAC = Mandatory Labels,” where the system compares clearance labels (subject) and classification labels (object) like a security guard checking badges against a rulebook.
This CC practice question tests your understanding of access controls concepts. 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 access control model uses subject and object labels to enforce access based on a security policy?
Discretionary Access Control (DAC)
Why wrong: DAC allows owners to set permissions, not label-based.
Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC)
Why wrong: ABAC uses attributes, not necessarily labels from a central policy.
Mandatory Access Control (MAC)
MAC uses labels and a central policy to control access.
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
Why wrong: RBAC uses roles, not labels.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Mandatory Access Control (MAC)
Mandatory Access Control (MAC) enforces access decisions based on security labels assigned to subjects (users/processes) and objects (files/resources). The system, not the user, controls access by comparing these labels against a security policy, such as Bell-LaPadula or Biba. This is why MAC is the correct answer for label-based enforcement.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Discretionary Access Control (DAC)
Why it's wrong here
DAC allows owners to set permissions, not label-based.
Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC)
Why it's wrong here
ABAC uses attributes, not necessarily labels from a central policy.
Mandatory Access Control (MAC)
Why this is correct
MAC uses labels and a central policy to control access.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
Why it's wrong here
RBAC uses roles, not labels.
Common exam traps
ISC2 often tests the misconception that ABAC uses labels (since attributes can be labels), but the key distinction is that MAC uses mandatory, system-enforced labels tied to a security policy, whereas ABAC evaluates attribute-based rules dynamically without fixed subject/object labels.
Detailed technical explanation
In MAC, labels typically include a classification level (e.g., Top Secret, Secret, Confidential) and a category set (e.g., NATO, Nuclear). The system enforces rules like 'no read up' (Bell-LaPadula) or 'no write down' (Biba) by comparing the subject's clearance label to the object's classification label. In real-world scenarios, SELinux uses MAC with Type Enforcement (TE) labels to confine processes, preventing privilege escalation even if a user account is compromised.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
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FAQ
Access Controls Concepts — This question tests Access Controls Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Mandatory Access Control (MAC) — Mandatory Access Control (MAC) enforces access decisions based on security labels assigned to subjects (users/processes) and objects (files/resources). The system, not the user, controls access by comparing these labels against a security policy, such as Bell-LaPadula or Biba. This is why MAC is the correct answer for label-based enforcement.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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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