This CC practice question tests your understanding of security principles. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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
Mar 15 09:45:22 server sshd[1234]: Failed password for invalid user admin from 10.0.0.5 port 22 ssh2
Mar 15 09:45:23 server sshd[1235]: Failed password for invalid user admin from 10.0.0.5 port 22 ssh2
Mar 15 09:45:24 server sshd[1236]: Failed password for invalid user admin from 10.0.0.5 port 22 ssh2
Refer to the exhibit. Which security principle is being supported by the logging of these events?
Mar 15 09:45:22 server sshd[1234]: Failed password for invalid user admin from 10.0.0.5 port 22 ssh2
Mar 15 09:45:23 server sshd[1235]: Failed password for invalid user admin from 10.0.0.5 port 22 ssh2
Mar 15 09:45:24 server sshd[1236]: Failed password for invalid user admin from 10.0.0.5 port 22 ssh2
A
Availability
Why wrong: Logging does not directly ensure system availability.
B
Authentication
Why wrong: Authentication is about verifying identity, not logging failures.
C
Non-repudiation
Why wrong: Non-repudiation requires a digital signature or similar proof; logs alone don't prove identity.
D
Accountability
Logs allow tracing failures to an IP address and time, supporting accountability.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Accountability
Correct: A - Accountability. Logging provides a record of events that can be traced to specific sources, enabling accountability. Non-repudiation involves proof of actions by a user, but these logs do not prove user identity. Authentication and availability are not directly supported.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Availability
Why it's wrong here
Logging does not directly ensure system availability.
✗
Authentication
Why it's wrong here
Authentication is about verifying identity, not logging failures.
✗
Non-repudiation
Why it's wrong here
Non-repudiation requires a digital signature or similar proof; logs alone don't prove identity.
✓
Accountability
Why this is correct
Logs allow tracing failures to an IP address and time, supporting accountability.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Similar concept trap
Non-repudiation requires a digital signature or similar proof; logs alone don't prove identity.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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. 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CC question in full detail.
Identify which CC exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Security Principles — This question tests Security Principles — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Accountability — Correct: A - Accountability. Logging provides a record of events that can be traced to specific sources, enabling accountability. Non-repudiation involves proof of actions by a user, but these logs do not prove user identity. Authentication and availability are not directly supported.
What should I do if I get this CC question wrong?
Identify which CC exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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