CISSP Security Architecture and Engineering Practice Question
A security architect is designing a system that must ensure integrity of commercial transactions. Which of the following models are specifically focused on integrity? (Choose TWO)
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
✓
Biba
Biba is an integrity model using no write up/no read down. Clark-Wilson is a commercial integrity model based on well-formed transactions and separation of duties.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Take-Grant
Why it's wrong here
This mathematical model focuses on how rights can be passed from one subject to another or from a subject to an object using specific rules like take, grant, create, and revoke. It is used to analyze the vulnerability of a system to unauthorized privilege propagation rather than enforcing data integrity or confidentiality levels directly. Therefore, it does not fit the requirement of ensuring integrity as its primary mechanism.
- ✗
Brewer-Nash
Why it's wrong here
Also known as the Chinese Wall model, this framework dynamically changes access controls based on a user's previous activity to prevent conflicts of interest. It is designed to isolate datasets of competing commercial entities rather than enforcing strict mathematical integrity levels or commercial transaction rules. Consequently, it is not the correct choice for a system focused primarily on data integrity.
- ✓
Biba
Why this is correct
Biba is a formal state-machine model designed specifically to protect data integrity by preventing unauthorized modification. It operates on the principle of "no write up, no read down" to ensure that information from lower-integrity levels cannot contaminate higher-integrity levels. This makes it the ideal choice for a system where preventing data corruption and maintaining trustworthiness is the primary objective.
- ✓
Clark-Wilson
Why this is correct
This model is specifically designed for commercial environments to maintain data integrity through the use of well-formed transactions and separation of duties. Unlike lattice-based models, it ensures that users can only modify data through specific, authorized programs (Transformation Procedures), thereby preventing fraud and unauthorized changes. This makes it a highly effective solution for enforcing integrity in business applications.
- ✗
Bell-LaPadula
Why it's wrong here
Developed for the US military, this state-machine model is strictly focused on preserving data confidentiality through mandatory access controls. It enforces the "no read up" (Simple Security Property) and "no write down" (Star Property) rules to prevent unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information. Because it does not address data modification or integrity concerns, it is inappropriate for a system requiring integrity guarantees.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Security Governance and Principles
Key term
Security
Security in IT is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, damage, or theft.
Key term
Separation of duties
Separation of duties is a security principle that splits critical tasks and privileges among multiple people to prevent fraud, errors, and abuse of power.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CISSP 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 CISSP exam.