Quick Answer
The answer is access control lists and encryption. Access control lists (ACLs) are a classic technical access control because they operate at the system or network level, using rule sets embedded in routers, firewalls, or file systems to explicitly permit or deny traffic or resource access based on attributes like IP addresses or user IDs. Encryption is also a technical control, as it enforces confidentiality through cryptographic algorithms such as AES-256, transforming data into an unreadable format that only authorized key holders can decode, independent of human policy enforcement. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish technical controls from administrative or physical ones—a common trap is confusing encryption with a detective control or ACLs with a procedural policy. Remember the memory tip: if it involves code, crypto, or a system-level rule set, it’s technical; think “tech runs on tech” to keep ACLs and encryption straight.
This CC practice question tests your understanding of access controls concepts. 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.
Which TWO are examples of technical access controls?
Security awareness training
Why wrong: Training is an administrative control.
Security policies
Why wrong: Policies are administrative controls.
Encryption
Encryption is a technical control that protects data confidentiality.
ID badges
Why wrong: ID badges are physical controls.
Access control lists
ACLs are a technical mechanism to enforce permissions.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Encryption
Encryption (C) is a technical access control because it uses cryptographic algorithms (e.g., AES-256, RSA) to transform data into an unreadable format, ensuring that only authorized entities with the correct decryption key can access the original information. This enforces confidentiality and access restrictions at the data level, independent of user behavior or administrative policies.
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.
Security awareness training
Why it's wrong here
Training is an administrative control.
Security policies
Why it's wrong here
Policies are administrative controls.
Encryption
Why this is correct
Encryption is a technical control that protects data confidentiality.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
ID badges
Why it's wrong here
ID badges are physical controls.
Access control lists
Why this is correct
ACLs are a technical mechanism to enforce permissions.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
ISC2 often tests the distinction between administrative, physical, and technical controls, and the trap here is that candidates confuse 'security awareness training' or 'security policies' as technical controls because they are part of a security program, but they are not implemented through technology or code.
Detailed technical explanation
Technical access controls operate at the system or network layer, often enforced by operating systems, firewalls, or cryptographic modules. For example, Access Control Lists (ACLs) on routers or filesystems use rule-based logic (e.g., permit/deny statements with source/destination IPs and ports) to filter traffic or file access, while encryption relies on key management protocols (e.g., PKI, TLS handshake) to ensure only authorized parties can decrypt data. In real-world scenarios, a misconfigured ACL can inadvertently block legitimate traffic, and weak encryption (e.g., outdated RC4) can be broken by attackers, highlighting the need for proper implementation.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
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: Encryption — Encryption (C) is a technical access control because it uses cryptographic algorithms (e.g., AES-256, RSA) to transform data into an unreadable format, ensuring that only authorized entities with the correct decryption key can access the original information. This enforces confidentiality and access restrictions at the data level, independent of user behavior or administrative policies.
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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