- A
The owner of a document can grant read access to any other user.
Why wrong: This is discretionary access control.
- B
Users in the 'HR' role can read documents classified as 'Confidential'.
Why wrong: This is a role-based rule, not attribute-based.
- C
All users with security clearance 'Secret' can read documents labeled 'Secret'.
Why wrong: This is mandatory access control based on labels.
- D
If user.department == 'HR' AND doc.classification == 'Confidential' AND time.business_hours == true then permit read.
This uses subject attribute (department), object attribute (classification), and environment attribute (time).
Question 122 of 1,000
SSCP Access Controls Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of access controls. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 uses an ABAC system to control access to documents. Policies are defined using attributes such as user department, document classification, and time of day. Which of the following is an example of an ABAC policy rule?
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
✓
If user.department == 'HR' AND doc.classification == 'Confidential' AND time.business_hours == true then permit read.
ABAC policies use conditions based on subject, object, and environment attributes. The rule combines department, classification, and time.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The owner of a document can grant read access to any other user.
Why it's wrong here
This is discretionary access control.
- ✗
Users in the 'HR' role can read documents classified as 'Confidential'.
Why it's wrong here
This is a role-based rule, not attribute-based.
- ✗
All users with security clearance 'Secret' can read documents labeled 'Secret'.
Why it's wrong here
This is mandatory access control based on labels.
- ✓
If user.department == 'HR' AND doc.classification == 'Confidential' AND time.business_hours == true then permit read.
Why this is correct
This uses subject attribute (department), object attribute (classification), and environment attribute (time).
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
- The first matching ACL entry is used.
- There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
- Check inbound versus outbound direction.
- Read the ACL from top to bottom.
- Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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. ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
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 |
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related SSCP ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Access Controls — This question tests Access Controls — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: If user.department == 'HR' AND doc.classification == 'Confidential' AND time.business_hours == true then permit read. — ABAC policies use conditions based on subject, object, and environment attributes. The rule combines department, classification, and time.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related SSCP ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 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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