SSCP Access Controls Practice Question
A company is implementing an access control system for a high-security environment. Which TWO of the following are characteristics of Mandatory Access Control (MAC)?
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
✓
Access rules are defined by the system, not users.
MAC uses labels for subjects and objects, and access decisions are based on clearance and classification. Users cannot change permissions.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Permissions are assigned to roles.
Why it's wrong here
That is RBAC.
- ✓
Access rules are defined by the system, not users.
Why this is correct
MAC policies are centrally enforced.
- ✗
Users can grant access to other users.
Why it's wrong here
That is DAC.
- ✓
Subjects and objects have security labels.
Why this is correct
MAC uses classification and clearance labels.
- ✗
Access is based on the owner's discretion.
Why it's wrong here
That is DAC.
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 |
Go deeper
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.