hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
ISC2 CC Practice Question: The exhibit shows a snippet of /var/log/auth.log…
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit. ``` May 12 10:00:00 server sshd[1234]: Failed password for root from 192.168.1.10 port 22 ssh2 May 12 10:00:05 server sshd[1234]: Failed password for root from 192.168.1.10 port 22 ssh2 May 12 10:00:10 server sshd[1234]: Failed password for root from 192.168.1.10 port 22 ssh2 May 12 10:00:15 server sshd[1235]: Accepted password for admin from 10.0.0.5 port 22 ssh2 ```
The exhibit shows a snippet of /var/log/auth.log on a Linux server. Which security principle is most likely violated if the failed attempts continue without action?
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
✓
Least privilege
The log shows failed SSH login attempts for the root user. Allowing direct root login over SSH violates the principle of least privilege because root is a highly privileged account that should not be used for routine access. Instead, administrators should log in with a regular user account and escalate privileges only when needed. Continuing inaction perpetuates this violation. Options A (non-repudiation), B (separation of duties), and D (defense in depth) are less directly related to the specific issue of root login.
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 ensures actions cannot be denied; the logs already provide that.
- ✗
Separation of duties
Why it's wrong here
Separation of duties is about dividing roles, not about remote access.
- ✓
Least privilege
Why this is correct
Allowing root login over SSH grants full privileges and is a violation of least privilege; it should be disabled.
- ✗
Defense in depth
Why it's wrong here
While lacking other controls, the specific violation is allowing root SSH access.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to Security Principles
Key term
Defense in depth
Defense in depth is a cybersecurity strategy that uses multiple layers of security controls to protect information and systems, so if one layer fails, another layer is already in place to stop the attack.
Key term
Non-repudiation
Non-repudiation is a security principle that ensures a party in a digital transaction cannot deny their involvement or the authenticity of their digital signature.
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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.