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CCSP Practice Question: A cloud security architect is designing a data…
A cloud security architect is designing a data loss prevention (DLP) strategy for a multi-cloud environment. Which TWO actions are effective in preventing unauthorized exfiltration of sensitive data?
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 often tests the distinction between preventive and detective controls, and the trap here is that candidates confuse monitoring (detective) or encryption (protective but not preventive against exfiltration by authorized users) with direct prevention mechanisms like least privilege and DLP content inspection.
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
✓
Implement strict Identity and Access Management (IAM) policies with least privilege
Implementing strict IAM policies with least privilege ensures that users and services have only the minimum permissions necessary to perform their functions. This directly limits the attack surface and prevents unauthorized access to sensitive data, which is a foundational control against exfiltration. Without least privilege, even with other controls in place, an over-privileged account could be exploited to move or copy data out of the environment.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Enable detailed logging and monitoring of all data access events
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Logging is detective, not preventive.
- ✗
Encrypt all data at rest using provider-managed keys
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Encryption does not prevent authorized users from exfiltration.
- ✗
Use a cloud access security broker (CASB) to enforce data classification
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: CASB provides visibility but not direct prevention of exfiltration.
- ✓
Implement strict Identity and Access Management (IAM) policies with least privilege
Why this is correct
Correct: Limits access to sensitive data, reducing exfiltration risk.
- ✓
Deploy DLP tools to inspect outbound traffic for sensitive data patterns
Why this is correct
Correct: DLP can block unauthorized transmissions.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CCSP 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 CCSP exam.