Quick Answer
The answer is Mandatory Access Control (MAC). This model is correct because it enforces access decisions strictly by comparing the sensitivity label of the resource—such as Confidential, Secret, or Top Secret—with the clearance level of the user, ensuring that no user can override or delegate permissions. On the Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) exam, this concept tests your understanding of non-discretionary, system-enforced policies like Bell-LaPadula for confidentiality or Biba for integrity, often appearing in scenario-based questions where a central authority controls all access based on predefined labels. A common trap is confusing MAC with Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), but remember that MAC relies on fixed sensitivity and clearance, not job roles. Memory tip: think “MAC = Mandatory Labels,” where the system, not the user, makes the call.
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of access controls. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
An organization is implementing an access control system where access decisions are based on the sensitivity of the resource and the clearance of the user. Which model is being used?
Discretionary Access Control (DAC)
Why wrong: DAC lets owners set permissions, not based on clearance levels.
Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC)
Why wrong: ABAC evaluates multiple attributes but does not inherently use clearance labels like MAC.
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
Why wrong: RBAC uses roles, not clearance levels.
Mandatory Access Control (MAC)
MAC uses security labels to enforce access based on classification and clearance.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Mandatory Access Control (MAC)
Mandatory Access Control (MAC) enforces access decisions based on comparing the sensitivity label (e.g., classification level) of the resource with the clearance level of the user. This model is non-discretionary, meaning users cannot override or delegate permissions; the system centrally controls all access according to a security policy, such as Bell-LaPadula or Biba.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Discretionary Access Control (DAC)
Why it's wrong here
DAC lets owners set permissions, not based on clearance levels.
Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC)
Why it's wrong here
ABAC evaluates multiple attributes but does not inherently use clearance labels like MAC.
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
Why it's wrong here
RBAC uses roles, not clearance levels.
Mandatory Access Control (MAC)
Why this is correct
MAC uses security labels to enforce access based on classification and clearance.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse MAC with RBAC because both involve centralized control, but MAC uniquely relies on mandatory sensitivity labels and user clearances, not roles or user-defined permissions.
Detailed technical explanation
In MAC, every subject and object is assigned a security label (e.g., Top Secret, Secret, Confidential) from a lattice. The system enforces rules such as 'no read up' (Simple Security Property) and 'no write down' (*-Property) under the Bell-LaPadula model to prevent information flow from higher to lower classifications. This model is commonly used in military and government systems where data confidentiality is paramount.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A security analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
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Access Controls — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Access Controls — This question tests Access Controls — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Mandatory Access Control (MAC) — Mandatory Access Control (MAC) enforces access decisions based on comparing the sensitivity label (e.g., classification level) of the resource with the clearance level of the user. This model is non-discretionary, meaning users cannot override or delegate permissions; the system centrally controls all access according to a security policy, such as Bell-LaPadula or Biba.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which access control model is best suited for a military environment where data classification (Unclassified, Confidential, Secret, Top Secret) and subject clearance levels are the primary factors for access decisions?
easyWhy B: Mandatory Access Control (MAC) enforces access based on labels (classification and clearance) and is used in military and government settings. Option B is correct. Option A (DAC) allows owners to set permissions, which is unsuitable for classified environments. Option C (RBAC) uses roles, not classification levels. Option D (ABAC) is flexible but not the traditional model for military-grade security.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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.
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