The answer is Discretionary Access Control (DAC). This is the correct model because in a typical Windows environment, the owner of a file or folder has the discretion to decide who can access it, granting or denying permissions through NTFS-based Access Control Lists (ACLs). Unlike mandatory models, DAC places control in the resource owner’s hands rather than enforcing a system-wide policy. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this concept tests your understanding of how Windows file permissions DAC operates in practice—often appearing in questions that contrast DAC with Mandatory Access Control (MAC) or Role-Based Access Control (RBAC). A common trap is confusing DAC with the system-enforced rules of MAC; remember that DAC is about owner-driven choice. Memory tip: think “DAC = Discretion = Owner’s Decision,” and recall that NTFS permissions are the real-world implementation of this model.
ISC2 CC Access Controls Concepts Practice Question
This CC practice question tests your understanding of access controls concepts. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
In a typical Windows environment, which access control model is used for managing file permissions?
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)
In a typical Windows environment, file permissions are managed using Discretionary Access Control (DAC), where the owner of a resource (e.g., a file or folder) can grant or deny access to other users or groups. This is implemented via NTFS permissions, which allow the owner to set ACLs (Access Control Lists) on objects, giving them discretion over who can read, write, or execute. Windows does not enforce a system-wide policy beyond the owner's decisions, which is the hallmark of DAC.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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 this is correct
File owners can grant or deny permissions to others.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
Why it's wrong here
RBAC is used in Active Directory but not directly for file permissions; file permissions are DAC.
✗
Mandatory Access Control (MAC)
Why it's wrong here
MAC uses security labels; Windows file permissions are not mandatory by default.
✗
Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC)
Why it's wrong here
ABAC is not native to Windows file permissions.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISC2 often tests the misconception that Windows uses RBAC because of Active Directory groups, but AD groups are merely a convenience for assigning DAC permissions, not a role-based system; the key distinction is that DAC gives discretion to the resource owner, while RBAC assigns permissions based on organizational roles defined by an administrator.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, Windows DAC is enforced through NTFS ACLs, which consist of Access Control Entries (ACEs) that specify user/group SIDs and permissions (e.g., Read, Write, Full Control). The owner of a file (typically the creator) can modify these ACEs via the security descriptor, and the Windows Security Reference Monitor checks these ACLs during access attempts. A subtle behavior is that inherited permissions from parent folders can be overridden by explicit permissions, but the owner retains the right to change them, unlike in MAC where even the owner cannot override system labels.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CC question in full detail.
Access Controls Concepts — This question tests Access Controls Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Discretionary Access Control (DAC) — In a typical Windows environment, file permissions are managed using Discretionary Access Control (DAC), where the owner of a resource (e.g., a file or folder) can grant or deny access to other users or groups. This is implemented via NTFS permissions, which allow the owner to set ACLs (Access Control Lists) on objects, giving them discretion over who can read, write, or execute. Windows does not enforce a system-wide policy beyond the owner's decisions, which is the hallmark of DAC.
What should I do if I get this CC question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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