SSCP Access Controls Practice Question
A security administrator is implementing an access control system that uses sensitivity labels on subjects and objects. The policy dictates that a subject can only read objects with a label equal to or lower than the subject's clearance, and can only write to objects with a label equal to or higher than the subject's clearance. Which access control model and principle is being enforced?
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
✓
MAC with Bell-LaPadula model
Bell-LaPadula model enforces confidentiality through the simple security property (no read up) and the *-property (no write down). The described rules match Bell-LaPadula's restrictions.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
MAC with Bell-LaPadula model
Why this is correct
Bell-LaPadula uses mandatory labels and enforces no read up and no write down for confidentiality.
- ✗
MAC with Biba model
Why it's wrong here
Biba model enforces integrity, not confidentiality.
- ✗
DAC with owner-based permissions
Why it's wrong here
DAC does not use mandatory labels.
- ✗
RBAC with role hierarchy
Why it's wrong here
RBAC uses roles, not sensitivity labels.
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.