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ISC2 CC Practice Question: Which access control model uses subject and…
Which access control model uses subject and object labels to enforce access based on a security policy?
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 often tests the misconception that ABAC uses labels (since attributes can be labels), but the key distinction is that MAC uses mandatory, system-enforced labels tied to a security policy, whereas ABAC evaluates attribute-based rules dynamically without fixed subject/object labels.
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
✓
Mandatory Access Control (MAC)
Mandatory Access Control (MAC) enforces access decisions based on security labels assigned to subjects (users/processes) and objects (files/resources). The system, not the user, controls access by comparing these labels against a security policy, such as Bell-LaPadula or Biba. This is why MAC is the correct answer for label-based enforcement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Discretionary Access Control (DAC)
Why it's wrong here
DAC allows owners to set permissions, not label-based.
- ✗
Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC)
Why it's wrong here
ABAC uses attributes, not necessarily labels from a central policy.
- ✓
Mandatory Access Control (MAC)
Why this is correct
MAC uses labels and a central policy to control access.
- ✗
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
Why it's wrong here
RBAC uses roles, not labels.
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
Introduction to Security Principles
Key term
Access control
Access control is the security practice of determining who or what is allowed to view, use, or enter a resource, and under what conditions.
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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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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