mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
Role-Based Access Control: Least Privilege for Database Administrators
An organization wants to implement the principle of least privilege for its database administrators. Which approach best achieves this goal?
Quick Answer
The correct approach is to use role-based access control (RBAC) to grant permissions specific to each database administrator’s duties. RBAC directly enforces the principle of least privilege by mapping job functions—such as backup admin or security admin—to precisely defined sets of permissions, ensuring no user receives unnecessary access. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this concept tests your understanding of access control models; a common trap is confusing RBAC with mandatory access control (MAC), which relies on data classification labels rather than job roles. Remember that RBAC is role-centric, not label-centric. A useful memory tip: think “RBAC = Roles Before Access”—if the role doesn’t need it, the permission isn’t granted.
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 often tests the distinction between MAC (which controls access based on data labels) and RBAC (which controls access based on job roles), and the trap here is that candidates mistakenly choose MAC because they associate 'least privilege' with strict classification systems, not realizing that RBAC is the practical, role-specific mechanism for limiting database administrator permissions.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use role-based access control (RBAC) to grant permissions specific to each administrator's duties.
Role-based access control (RBAC) directly enforces the principle of least privilege by granting database administrators only the permissions required for their specific job functions. Unlike MAC, which focuses on data classification labels, RBAC maps roles (e.g., backup admin, security admin) to precise sets of privileges, ensuring no user has unnecessary 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.
- ✗
Implement mandatory access control (MAC) with labels for all data.
Why it's wrong here
MAC is more about classification than granular role-based permissions.
- ✓
Use role-based access control (RBAC) to grant permissions specific to each administrator's duties.
Why this is correct
RBAC aligns with least privilege by scoping permissions to roles.
- ✗
Allow administrators to self-assign permissions as needed.
Why it's wrong here
Self-assignment undermines control and least privilege.
- ✗
Assign each administrator full database admin rights for simplicity.
Why it's wrong here
Full admin rights violate least privilege.
Quick reference
Access Control Model Comparison
| Model | Acronym | Who Controls Access? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary Access Control | DAC | Resource owner | Small teams, file shares |
| Mandatory Access Control | MAC | System / security labels | Classified govt / military |
| Role-Based Access Control | RBAC | Administrator (via roles) | Enterprise environments |
| Attribute-Based Access Control | ABAC | Policy engine (user + resource attributes) | Fine-grained, dynamic policies |
| Rule-Based Access Control | RuBAC | System rules / ACLs | Firewall rules, network ACLs |
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to Security Principles
Key term
Organization
An Organization is a top-level container in Google Cloud that represents your company or entities and serves as the root node for all your cloud resources, policies, and access control.
Key term
User
A user is any person, system, or device that interacts with an IT service, resource, or identity system, typically authenticated through credentials and authorized to perform specific actions.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on CC
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. After a security audit, a company discovers that several employees have access to financial systems that are not required for their job roles. Which access control model would best prevent this issue in the future?
medium- A.Mandatory access control (MAC)
- B.Discretionary access control (DAC)
- ✓ C.Role-based access control (RBAC)
- D.Attribute-based access control (ABAC)
Why C: Role-based access control (RBAC) assigns permissions based on job roles, ensuring users have only the access needed for their role. DAC allows owners to give access arbitrarily, which could lead to over-provisioning. MAC is rigid and label-based, not ideal for dynamic business needs. ABAC is flexible but more complex to implement than RBAC for this scenario.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.