SSCP Security Operations and Administration Practice Question
A security administrator is tasked with implementing a formal process for managing user access rights. The organization requires that access be granted based on job roles and that users receive only the permissions necessary to perform their duties. Which of the following should the administrator implement?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse RBAC with ABAC; while both can enforce least privilege, the scenario explicitly mentions job roles, which is the defining characteristic of RBAC.
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
✓
Role-based access control (RBAC)
Role-based access control (RBAC) is designed to assign permissions to roles and then assign users to those roles, ensuring that users have only the access required for their job functions. This satisfies the requirement for role-based provisioning and least privilege. Other models like MAC, DAC, or ABAC do not align as directly with the stated need.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Role-based access control (RBAC)
Why this is correct
RBAC assigns permissions to roles rather than individuals, and users are assigned to roles based on their job functions. This directly enforces least privilege because users inherit only the permissions of their role. It matches the requirement to grant access based on job roles and minimal necessary permissions.
- ✗
Discretionary access control (DAC)
Why it's wrong here
DAC allows resource owners to grant access at their discretion, which can lead to inconsistent permissions and does not enforce least privilege centrally. The requirement is for access based on job roles, which DAC does not provide. DAC is more flexible but less controlled.
- ✗
Mandatory access control (MAC)
Why it's wrong here
MAC uses security labels and clearances to enforce access, which is more rigid and typically used in military or high-security environments. It does not align with the common business practice of granting access based on job roles. The scenario calls for a role-based approach, not label-based.
- ✗
Attribute-based access control (ABAC)
Why it's wrong here
ABAC uses multiple attributes (e.g., user, resource, environment) to make access decisions, which can be very granular but complex to manage. While it can enforce least privilege, the scenario specifically asks for role-based access, making RBAC a more direct and appropriate fit. ABAC is overkill for this stated requirement.
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
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.