hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: Uses mandatory access control (MAC) with the…
An organization uses mandatory access control (MAC) with the Bell-LaPadula model. A subject has a clearance of 'Secret' and an object has a classification of 'Top Secret'. What is the result if the subject attempts to read the object?
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often confuse the Bell-LaPadula model with the Biba model (which focuses on integrity) or misapply the *-property to read operations, leading them to incorrectly select 'Read allowed' or 'Write allowed' when the actual rule is 'no read up'.
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
✓
Read denied
In the Bell-LaPadula model, the Simple Security Property (no read up) prohibits a subject from reading an object with a higher classification. Since the subject has a clearance of 'Secret' and the object is classified as 'Top Secret', the read attempt is denied. This enforces mandatory access control (MAC) by preventing information flow from higher to lower security levels.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Write denied
Why it's wrong here
Write is not being attempted; the scenario specifically asks about read.
- ✗
Write allowed
Why it's wrong here
Write is not the action in question; the star property (no write down) would apply, but the subject is attempting to read.
- ✓
Read denied
Why this is correct
The subject's clearance is lower than the object's classification, so read is denied under the simple security property.
- ✗
Read allowed
Why it's wrong here
The simple security property (no read up) prevents reading objects with higher classification.
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.