easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
ISC2 CC Practice Question: Which access control model allows the owner of a…
Which access control model allows the owner of a resource to decide who can access it?
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 often tests the distinction between DAC and MAC by presenting a scenario where a user can change permissions on their own files, and candidates mistakenly choose MAC because they confuse 'mandatory' with 'owner-controlled' or think MAC allows user discretion.
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
✓
Discretionary Access Control (DAC)
Discretionary Access Control (DAC) allows the owner of a resource to determine who can access it and with what permissions. In DAC, the resource creator or authorized owner can grant or revoke access rights to other subjects, typically through access control lists (ACLs) or file permissions. This model is commonly implemented in operating systems like Windows NTFS and Linux file systems, where the owner sets read, write, or execute permissions.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Mandatory Access Control (MAC)
Why it's wrong here
MAC enforces policies set by the system, not the owner.
- ✗
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
Why it's wrong here
RBAC assigns permissions based on predefined roles, not owner discretion.
- ✗
Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC)
Why it's wrong here
ABAC uses attributes like time and location, not owner discretion.
- ✓
Discretionary Access Control (DAC)
Why this is correct
DAC allows resource owners to set permissions at their discretion.
Visual reference
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
Access Control Fundamentals
Key term
DAC
Discretionary Access Control is a security model where the owner of a resource decides who can access it and what permissions they have.
Key term
Least privilege
Least privilege is a security principle that means giving users, systems, or programs only the minimum permissions they need to do their job and nothing more.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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