ISC2 CC Access Controls Concepts Practice Question
Which of the following is an example of a logical access control?
⚠ Common exam trap
CC often tests whether candidates can classify controls into physical, logical/technical, and administrative categories — the trap is picking a physical item (guard, fence, logbook) when the question asks for a logical control.
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
✓
Password complexity policy
A password complexity policy is a logical access control because it is enforced by software (the operating system or application) and governs how users authenticate. Logical controls include passwords, encryption, permissions, and session policies, all implemented in code rather than physical barriers or administrative procedures.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Security guard at entrance
Why it's wrong here
A security guard at an entrance is a physical control, governing access to a building or room rather than to a system, file or network resource. It tempts because guards genuinely enforce authorisation, and would be the right answer if the question asked about physical access controls instead of logical ones.
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Visitor logbook
Why it's wrong here
A visitor logbook records physical entry at a reception desk, so it governs who walks through a door rather than who may read a file or run a process. It is tempting because it genuinely is an access control, and it would be the right answer if the question asked about physical controls instead of logical ones.
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Fence around building
Why it's wrong here
A fence is a physical barrier controlling access to a building, so it belongs to physical access control, not logical. Physical controls suit perimeter protection of facilities and assets, whereas logical controls govern access to systems and data.
- ✓
Password complexity policy
Why this is correct
Password complexity policies are logical controls because they govern how a subject authenticates to a system, rather than physically restricting entry. They satisfy the stem's requirement for a logical access control by enforcing rules on credentials within Microsoft Entra ID, unlike fences, locks or guards, which are physical controls.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Access Control Fundamentals
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.
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.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official ISC2 exam blueprint
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.