The answer is least privilege. This policy enforces least privilege by explicitly granting only GET access to a single S3 bucket from a specific IP range, thereby providing the minimum permissions necessary for the task. It restricts all other actions and sources, ensuring users or systems cannot exceed their required scope of access. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this principle is frequently tested through policy exhibits or scenario-based questions where you must identify the security concept behind tightly scoped permissions. A common trap is confusing least privilege with confidentiality—while least privilege supports confidentiality, the core focus here is on limiting rights, not just protecting data secrecy. Remember the mnemonic “M.I.N.I.M.U.M.”: Most Important Need Is Minimum User Means.
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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Least privilege
Correct: B - Least privilege. The policy allows only get access to a specific bucket from a specific IP range, granting the minimum necessary access. Confidentiality is addressed indirectly, but the design emphasizes least privilege. Defense in depth and non-repudiation are not shown.
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.
✗
Non-repudiation
Why it's wrong here
Non-repudiation requires audit trails, not shown.
✗
Defense in depth
Why it's wrong here
Only one control (IAM policy) is shown.
✗
Confidentiality
Why it's wrong here
Confidentiality is about preventing disclosure, but the policy's focus is limiting access scope.
✓
Least privilege
Why this is correct
Granting only specific permissions from a specific IP is least privilege.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Non-repudiation requires audit trails, not shown.
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: Least privilege — Correct: B - Least privilege. The policy allows only get access to a specific bucket from a specific IP range, granting the minimum necessary access. Confidentiality is addressed indirectly, but the design emphasizes least privilege. Defense in depth and non-repudiation are not shown.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Question Discussion
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