Quick Answer
The answer is applying the principle of least privilege for database users, encrypting sensitive data at rest, and implementing row-level security. These three practices form the foundation of database security best practices because they directly control access and protect data confidentiality. Least privilege ensures users have only the permissions necessary for their role, minimizing the attack surface, while encryption at rest safeguards stored data from unauthorized physical access or breaches. Row-level security further refines access by restricting visibility to specific rows based on user context, preventing lateral data exposure. On the Systems Security Certified Practitioner SSCP exam, this topic tests your understanding of access control models and data protection mechanisms, often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must identify which controls prevent unauthorized data disclosure. A common trap is selecting “default passwords” or “public access,” which are explicitly insecure. Remember the mnemonic “L.E.R.”—Least privilege, Encryption at rest, Row-level security—to quickly recall the triad of secure database configuration.
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of systems and application security. 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.
Which three of the following are best practices for securing a database? (Choose three.)
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Encrypt sensitive data at rest
Protects data if storage is compromised.
Use default passwords for database accounts
Why wrong: Default passwords are easily guessed.
Implement row-level security
Restricts access to specific rows based on user.
Apply the principle of least privilege for database users
Users should have only necessary permissions.
Enable public access to the database
Why wrong: Public access increases attack surface.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Encrypt sensitive data at rest
Encrypting sensitive data at rest protects confidentiality. Row-level security restricts access to specific rows. Least privilege limits user permissions. Default passwords are insecure. Public access exposes the database.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Encrypt sensitive data at rest
Why this is correct
Protects data if storage is compromised.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Use default passwords for database accounts
Why it's wrong here
Default passwords are easily guessed.
Implement row-level security
Why this is correct
Restricts access to specific rows based on user.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Apply the principle of least privilege for database users
Why this is correct
Users should have only necessary permissions.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Enable public access to the database
Why it's wrong here
Public access increases attack surface.
Common exam traps
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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. Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SSCP questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Systems and Application Security — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Systems and Application Security — This question tests Systems and Application Security — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: Encrypt sensitive data at rest — Encrypting sensitive data at rest protects confidentiality. Row-level security restricts access to specific rows. Least privilege limits user permissions. Default passwords are insecure. Public access exposes the database.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SSCP questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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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