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ISC2 CC Practice Question: Which THREE components are part of the AAA…
Which THREE components are part of the AAA framework?
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 often tests the distinction between 'Accounting' and 'Auditing' — candidates confuse the two because both involve logs, but Accounting is the collection of data (e.g., start/stop records), while Auditing is the analysis of that data, which is not part of the AAA framework.
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
✓
Authentication
Authentication is correct because the AAA framework (Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting) uses authentication to verify the identity of a user or device before granting access. This is typically done via credentials such as username/password, digital certificates, or tokens, and is the first step in the AAA process.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Authentication
Why this is correct
Verifies user identity.
- ✗
Accountability
Why it's wrong here
Accountability is a goal, not a component of AAA.
- ✗
Auditing
Why it's wrong here
Auditing is a separate process, not a core AAA component.
- ✓
Accounting
Why this is correct
Logs user activities.
- ✓
Authorization
Why this is correct
Determines access rights.
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
User
A user is any person, system, or device that interacts with an IT service, resource, or identity system, typically authenticated through credentials and authorized to perform specific actions.
Key term
AAA
AAA (Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting) is a security framework that controls who can access a network, what they are allowed to do, and tracks what they did.
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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.