ISC Infrastructure And System Security Practice Question
A security architect is hardening a Linux-based server environment. Which TWO of the following kernel-level security modules should be configured to enforce mandatory access control?
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
✓
AppArmor
SELinux and AppArmor are the two industry-standard Linux kernel security modules that enforce mandatory access control (MAC).
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
AppArmor
Why this is correct
AppArmor uses profiles to restrict programs to a limited set of resources.
- ✗
iptables
Why it's wrong here
iptables is a packet filtering framework, not a kernel MAC module.
- ✓
SELinux
Why this is correct
SELinux uses security contexts to enforce fine-grained access control.
- ✗
Auditd
Why it's wrong here
Auditd is for logging, not for enforcing mandatory access control.
- ✗
PAM
Why it's wrong here
PAM is a modular authentication framework, not a MAC system.
Quick reference
Access Control Model Comparison
| Model | Acronym | Who Controls Access? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary Access Control | DAC | Resource owner | Small teams, file shares |
| Mandatory Access Control | MAC | System / security labels | Classified govt / military |
| Role-Based Access Control | RBAC | Administrator (via roles) | Enterprise environments |
| Attribute-Based Access Control | ABAC | Policy engine (user + resource attributes) | Fine-grained, dynamic policies |
| Rule-Based Access Control | RuBAC | System rules / ACLs | Firewall rules, network ACLs |
About these practice questions
This ISC question is part of Courseiva's 208-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official (ISC)² exam blueprint
This ISC practice question is part of Courseiva's free (ISC)² 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 ISC exam.