The correct answer is just-in-time (JIT) privilege elevation because it directly prevents credential theft by eliminating standing privileges and minimizing the window of exposure. Unlike static administrative accounts that remain perpetually available for attackers to harvest, JIT elevation grants temporary, on-demand access only when a specific task requires it, then automatically revokes that access. On the CISSP exam, this concept tests your understanding of the Privileged Access Management (PAM) domain within Identity and Access Management (IAM), where the core principle is reducing the attack surface. A common trap is choosing multi-factor authentication (MFA) as the most critical control, but MFA protects authentication, not the theft of cached or stored credentials. Remember the memory tip: “JIT cuts the window, MFA guards the door.”
CISSP Identity and Access Management Practice Question
This CISSP practice question tests your understanding of identity and access management. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
An organization is implementing a privileged access management (PAM) solution for managing administrative credentials. Which of the following is the most critical control to prevent credential theft?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Just-in-time (JIT) privilege elevation
Option A is correct because just-in-time privilege elevation minimizes the window of exposure and reduces standing privileges, which is the most effective against credential theft. Option B is wrong because multi-factor authentication is important but does not prevent theft of cached credentials. Option C is wrong because password rotation is reactive. Option D is wrong because session recording is detective. Option E is wrong because encryption protects at rest but does not prevent theft in use.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Enforcing periodic password changes
Why it's wrong here
Password changes reduce window of exposure but do not prevent theft.
✓
Just-in-time (JIT) privilege elevation
Why this is correct
JIT reduces standing privileges, limiting the impact of credential theft.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Encrypting stored passwords
Why it's wrong here
Encryption protects at rest, but credential theft often occurs in memory or in transit.
✗
Multi-factor authentication on admin accounts
Why it's wrong here
MFA is important but can be bypassed if credentials are stolen via token theft.
✗
Session recording and monitoring
Why it's wrong here
Session recording is detective, not preventive against theft.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CISSP question in full detail.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CISSP questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Identity and Access Management — This question tests Identity and Access Management — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Just-in-time (JIT) privilege elevation — Option A is correct because just-in-time privilege elevation minimizes the window of exposure and reduces standing privileges, which is the most effective against credential theft. Option B is wrong because multi-factor authentication is important but does not prevent theft of cached credentials. Option C is wrong because password rotation is reactive. Option D is wrong because session recording is detective. Option E is wrong because encryption protects at rest but does not prevent theft in use.
What should I do if I get this CISSP question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CISSP questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Question Discussion
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