The answer is to add a principal element with specific user ARNs. This change implements least privilege because the original policy lacks a principal, which in an S3 bucket policy defaults to allowing access to all anonymous users, violating the security principle of granting only the minimum necessary permissions. By specifying exact user ARNs in the principal element, you restrict read access to only those identities, aligning with the core concept of least privilege in AWS S3 bucket policies. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this tests your understanding of identity-based versus resource-based policies and how missing elements like principal can create unintended public access. A common trap is assuming an Allow effect without a principal is safe, but it actually opens the bucket to anyone. Memory tip: No principal means public access—always lock it down with specific ARNs for least privilege.
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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```
{
"Version": "2012-10-17",
"Statement": [
{
"Effect": "Allow",
"Action": "s3:GetObject",
"Resource": "arn:aws:s3:::example-bucket/*"
}
]
}
```
A security analyst reviews this AWS S3 bucket policy. The policy currently allows anyone to read objects. Which change would implement the principle of least privilege?
```
A security analyst reviews this AWS S3 bucket policy. The policy currently allows anyone to read objects. Which change would implement 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.
Refer to the exhibit.
```
{
"Version": "2012-10-17",
"Statement": [
{
"Effect": "Allow",
"Action": "s3:GetObject",
"Resource": "arn:aws:s3:::example-bucket/*"
}
]
}
```
A security analyst reviews this AWS S3 bucket policy. The policy currently allows anyone to read objects. Which change would implement the principle of least privilege?
A
Remove the policy entirely.
Why wrong: Removing the policy would deny all access (default deny), but does not grant necessary access to authorized users; least privilege requires granting minimal access, not zero access.
B
Add a principal element with specific user ARNs.
Adding a principal restricts access to specific authorized users, implementing least privilege by limiting who can act.
C
Add a condition to require MFA.
Why wrong: MFA adds a security layer but still allows anyone to read if they authenticate; it does not restrict the principals.
D
Change "Allow" to "Deny".
Why wrong: This would deny all access, which may break legitimate use and does not provide targeted permissions.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Add a principal element with specific user ARNs.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Remove the policy entirely.
Why it's wrong here
Removing the policy would deny all access (default deny), but does not grant necessary access to authorized users; least privilege requires granting minimal access, not zero access.
✓
Add a principal element with specific user ARNs.
Why this is correct
Adding a principal restricts access to specific authorized users, implementing least privilege by limiting who can act.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "least" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Add a condition to require MFA.
Why it's wrong here
MFA adds a security layer but still allows anyone to read if they authenticate; it does not restrict the principals.
✗
Change "Allow" to "Deny".
Why it's wrong here
This would deny all access, which may break legitimate use and does not provide targeted permissions.
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: Add a principal element with specific user ARNs.
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.
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