SSCP Systems and Application Security Practice Question
A Linux server is being hardened. The security team wants to enforce mandatory access control policies that confine processes to limited access to files and resources. Which technology should be implemented?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap is conflating authentication (PAM), network filtering (iptables), and auditing (auditd) with mandatory access control — only SELinux (or AppArmor) enforces MAC at the process/resource level.
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
✓
SELinux
SELinux (Security-Enhanced Linux) implements mandatory access control (MAC) by labeling processes and files with security contexts and enforcing policy rules that confine processes to only the resources they are permitted to access. This is exactly what the security team needs to enforce MAC and limit process access to files and resources.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
SELinux
Why this is correct
SELinux enforces mandatory access control through type enforcement, confining each process to only the files and resources its policy permits, regardless of user identity. Standard discretionary permissions cannot constrain a compromised daemon this way, which is the hardening requirement.
- ✗
PAM
Why it's wrong here
PAM handles authentication and session modules for applications and logins; it does not impose mandatory access control on processes. It would be correct when the requirement is enforcing password, account-lockout or session policies at authentication time.
- ✗
iptables
Why it's wrong here
iptables filters and NATs network traffic at the IP and port layer; it cannot confine a process's file and resource access. It would be correct when the requirement is controlling inbound, outbound or forwarded packets on the host.
- ✗
auditd
Why it's wrong here
auditd logs system calls and file access for auditing; it does not enforce confinement. It would be correct when the requirement is capturing security-relevant events for compliance or forensic review, not restricting what processes may touch.
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 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
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