easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: A system administrator needs to implement a…
A system administrator needs to implement a control that ensures users can only access files necessary for their job functions. Which principle is being applied?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse 'need-to-know' with 'least privilege' because both involve limiting access, but need-to-know is specifically about information confidentiality (e.g., classified data), while least privilege is a broader principle covering all access rights and 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 ensures that users are granted only the permissions necessary to perform their job functions, minimizing the attack surface and potential damage from accidental or malicious actions. In this scenario, restricting file access to only what is needed for job duties directly implements least privilege, as it limits access rights to the minimum required. This is distinct from need-to-know, which focuses on information disclosure rather than access 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.
- ✗
Need-to-know
Why it's wrong here
Need-to-know restricts access to information required for a specific task, but least privilege is broader.
- ✗
Separation of duties
Why it's wrong here
Separation of duties divides critical tasks among multiple people, not about minimum access.
- ✗
Job rotation
Why it's wrong here
Job rotation moves employees across roles to reduce fraud risk, not about access levels.
- ✓
Least privilege
Why this is correct
Least privilege ensures users have only the permissions necessary to perform their job.
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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.