The answer is time-based ACL, which is a form of rule-based access control. This method is correct because it allows the system administrator to define a specific time range—the patching window—within which the contractor’s access is automatically permitted, and outside of which it is denied, all without manual intervention. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this concept tests your understanding of how access control lists can incorporate temporal constraints to enforce the principle of least privilege in dynamic environments. A common trap is confusing time-based ACLs with discretionary or mandatory access control, but the key distinction is that the rule itself is tied to a time-range object, not user discretion or system labels. For a memory tip, think of a “time-locked door”: the ACL acts like a schedule that unlocks access only during the approved hours, then locks automatically when the window closes.
ISC2 CC Access Controls Concepts Practice Question
This CC practice question tests your understanding of access controls concepts. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
A system administrator needs to grant a contractor temporary access to a server for patching. The contractor should only have access during the patching window. Which access control implementation method is most appropriate?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Time-based ACL (rule-based access control)
Time-based ACLs (rule-based access control) allow the administrator to define a specific time range during which the contractor's access is permitted. This directly matches the requirement for temporary access only during the patching window, as the ACL can be configured with a time-range object that automatically enables and disables the permit statement without manual intervention.
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.
✓
Time-based ACL (rule-based access control)
Why this is correct
Time-based ACLs restrict access to specific time windows, ideal for temporary access.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Group-based permissions with a recurring schedule
Why it's wrong here
Scheduling group membership changes could work but is less direct and error-prone.
✗
Discretionary access control (DAC)
Why it's wrong here
DAC relies on owner discretion, not time constraints.
✗
Mandatory access control (MAC)
Why it's wrong here
MAC uses labels, not time, to control access.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISC2 often tests the distinction between rule-based access control (RBAC) with time-based ACLs and group-based permissions, where candidates mistakenly choose group-based permissions because they think 'recurring schedule' implies time control, but group-based permissions lack the precise time-range enforcement at the network layer.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Time-based ACLs use the 'time-range' command in Cisco IOS to define a named time period (e.g., 'time-range PATCH-WINDOW periodic weekdays 22:00 to 23:59'), which is then applied to an extended ACL entry. The router or switch evaluates the system clock (via NTP) to determine if the time-range is active, and only then processes the permit or deny statement. This is commonly used for after-hours maintenance windows or restricting access during business hours.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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 team runs a vulnerability scan on a web application and discovers an unpatched SQL injection flaw. The team prioritises remediation by CVSS score — critical flaws are patched within 24 hours, high within 7 days. Questions like this test whether you understand vulnerability management processes, scanning tools, and remediation prioritisation.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CC question in full detail.
Access Controls Concepts — This question tests Access Controls Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Time-based ACL (rule-based access control) — Time-based ACLs (rule-based access control) allow the administrator to define a specific time range during which the contractor's access is permitted. This directly matches the requirement for temporary access only during the patching window, as the ACL can be configured with a time-range object that automatically enables and disables the permit statement without manual intervention.
What should I do if I get this CC question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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