The correct answer is Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC). This is because the policy uses a condition block that evaluates a specific attribute—in this case, the PrincipalTag/department—to determine whether access to the S3 bucket is granted, rather than relying solely on the role’s identity or a static permission set. In cloud IAM, ABAC dynamically controls access based on user, resource, or environment attributes, making it more flexible than role-based access control (RBAC). On the CISSP exam, this concept tests your ability to distinguish between access control models, especially when a policy combines roles with conditional attribute checks—a common trap where candidates mistakenly label it as pure RBAC. Remember the key distinction: if a policy evaluates a tag, time, or other contextual attribute in the condition, it is ABAC, not RBAC. A useful memory tip is “ABAC = Attributes in the Condition.”
CISSP Security and Risk Management Practice Question
This CISSP practice question tests your understanding of security and risk management. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
{
"Effect": "Allow",
"Action": "s3:GetObject",
"Resource": "arn:aws:s3:::corporate-bucket/*",
"Condition": {
"StringEquals": {
"aws:PrincipalTag/department": "finance"
}
}
}
Refer to the exhibit. A cloud security architect is designing access control for an S3 bucket. This policy is attached to an IAM role. Which access control model does this policy primarily implement?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC)
The policy uses an attribute (PrincipalTag/department) in the Condition to grant access. This is attribute-based access control (ABAC). It is not purely RBAC because the Role is not the only factor; the tag attribute is evaluated.
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 it's wrong here
DAC allows owners to set permissions; this is centrally defined.
✗
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
Why it's wrong here
While a role exists, the condition uses an attribute, not just the role.
✗
Mandatory Access Control (MAC)
Why it's wrong here
MAC uses fixed labels; here tags are flexible and not hierarchical.
✓
Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC)
Why this is correct
ABAC evaluates attributes (tags) to grant access.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 CISSP question in full detail.
Identify which CISSP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Security and Risk Management — This question tests Security and Risk Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC) — The policy uses an attribute (PrincipalTag/department) in the Condition to grant access. This is attribute-based access control (ABAC). It is not purely RBAC because the Role is not the only factor; the tag attribute is evaluated.
What should I do if I get this CISSP question wrong?
Identify which CISSP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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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