The answer is to change the file mode to 640. This is correct because the current permissions, 650, grant read and execute access to the group, but the security policy requires that the developers group only have read access—execute is unnecessary and violates the principle of least privilege. The numeric mode 640 translates to owner read-write (6), group read (4), and others no access (0), which precisely matches the policy that only user1 and the developers group should read the file. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this question tests your ability to interpret Unix file permissions and apply the least privilege model, a core security concept. A common trap is forgetting that execute permission on a regular file is not needed for reading; always strip any permission that isn’t explicitly required. For a quick memory tip, remember the mnemonic “640 is read-only for the group, no extra bits to scoop.”
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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```
-rw-r-x--- 1 user1 developers 1024 Apr 12 10:00 config.cfg
```
The security policy states that only the file owner (user1) and members of the developers group should be able to read the file. Which change is necessary to align with the principle of least privilege?
Refer to the exhibit.
```
-rw-r-x--- 1 user1 developers 1024 Apr 12 10:00 config.cfg
```
The security policy states that only the file owner (user1) and members of the developers group should be able to read the file. Which change is necessary to align with the principle of least privilege?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "least"
Why it matters: You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
Refer to the exhibit.
```
-rw-r-x--- 1 user1 developers 1024 Apr 12 10:00 config.cfg
```
The security policy states that only the file owner (user1) and members of the developers group should be able to read the file. Which change is necessary to align with the principle of least privilege?
A
Add world read permission.
Why wrong: This would violate the policy by allowing others to read the file.
B
Change group permissions to rw-r--.
Why wrong: This would give group write permission, which is not needed and violates least privilege.
C
Change the file mode to 640.
640 (rw-r-----) removes the execute permission that is not required for read-only access, adhering to least privilege.
D
Change the owner to user2.
Why wrong: Changing owner does not address the group's unnecessary execute permission.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Change the file mode to 640.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Add world read permission.
Why it's wrong here
This would violate the policy by allowing others to read the file.
✗
Change group permissions to rw-r--.
Why it's wrong here
This would give group write permission, which is not needed and violates least privilege.
✓
Change the file mode to 640.
Why this is correct
640 (rw-r-----) removes the execute permission that is not required for read-only access, adhering to least privilege.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "least" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Change the owner to user2.
Why it's wrong here
Changing owner does not address the group's unnecessary execute permission.
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.
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: Change the file mode to 640.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "least". You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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