SSCP Access Controls Practice Question
A company is implementing a new access control system and wants to ensure that users are granted only the minimum permissions necessary to perform their job functions. Which principle is being applied?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates confuse least privilege with need to know, since both involve restricting access, but need to know is specifically about information access, not general permissions.
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
✓
Least privilege
The principle of least privilege states that users should be given only the minimum access rights required to perform their job functions. This exactly matches the company's goal of granting minimum necessary permissions. The other options represent different security concepts: separation of duties divides tasks, need to know focuses on information access, and defense in depth layers controls.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Need to know
Why it's wrong here
Need to know is a principle that restricts access to information to only those who require it to perform their duties. It is similar to least privilege but specifically focuses on information access rather than permissions to systems or resources. The scenario mentions permissions to perform job functions, which is broader and more aligned with least privilege.
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Defense in depth
Why it's wrong here
Defense in depth is a strategy of layering multiple security controls to protect assets. It does not specifically address granting minimum permissions. While least privilege is a component of defense in depth, the principle described in the scenario is least privilege itself, not the broader layered approach.
- ✓
Least privilege
Why this is correct
Least privilege is the principle that users should be granted only the minimum permissions necessary to perform their job functions. This directly matches the company's goal. By applying least privilege, the organization reduces the attack surface and limits potential damage from compromised accounts or insider threats.
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Separation of duties
Why it's wrong here
Separation of duties ensures that no single individual has control over all aspects of a critical transaction, reducing the risk of fraud or error. It does not specifically address granting minimum permissions for job functions. While related to access control, it is a different principle that focuses on dividing responsibilities, not on minimizing privileges.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official ISC2 exam blueprint
This SSCP 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 SSCP exam.