ISC2 CC Access Controls Concepts Practice Question
Which principle ensures that a user is granted only the permissions necessary to perform their job functions, thereby reducing the potential impact of a compromised account?
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
✓
Least privilege
Least privilege limits permissions to the minimum required, reducing the blast radius if an account is compromised.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Least privilege
Why this is correct
Least privilege restricts user access rights to the minimum set of permissions required to complete assigned job functions, directly satisfying the stem’s requirement to reduce the impact of a compromised account. By enforcing granular permission boundaries—such as read-only access to specific Microsoft Entra ID resources rather than full administrative roles—this principle limits lateral movement and data exposure if credentials are stolen.
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Need-to-know
Why it's wrong here
This restricts access to data based on job necessity, even if the user has rights.
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Separation of duties
Why it's wrong here
This prevents a single individual from performing high-risk actions alone.
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Defense in depth
Why it's wrong here
This uses multiple overlapping security controls.
Quick reference
AAA Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port(s) | Encryption | Transport | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RADIUS | 1812 / 1813 | Password only | UDP | Network access control |
| TACACS+ | 49 | Full packet | TCP | Device administration |
| Diameter | 3868 | Full session | TCP / SCTP | Carrier / mobile networks |
| 802.1X | — | EAP-based | Layer 2 | Port-based access control |
TACACS+ encrypts the entire packet; RADIUS only encrypts the password field — a key exam distinction.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Authentication and Authorization Methods
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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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.