SSCP Access Controls Practice Question
In a Bell-LaPadula model implementation, a user with a Secret clearance attempts to read a document classified as Top Secret. Additionally, they try to write to a document classified as Unclassified. What are the results of these actions?
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, write denied
Bell-LaPadula enforces *no read up* (simple security property) and *no write down* (*-property). Thus reading Top Secret is denied, and writing to Unclassified is also denied to prevent leakage.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Read denied, write allowed
Why it's wrong here
Write down is also denied.
- ✗
Read allowed, write allowed
Why it's wrong here
Both actions violate Bell-LaPadula rules.
- ✓
Read denied, write denied
Why this is correct
Correct. Both actions are denied.
- ✗
Read allowed, write denied
Why it's wrong here
Read up is denied.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on SSCP
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. In the Bell-LaPadula model, which property prevents a subject from reading an object at a higher classification level?
medium- A.The *-property (no write down)
- B.The Discretionary Security Property
- ✓ C.The Simple Security Property (no read up)
- D.The Lattice Security Property
Why C: The Simple Security Property (no read up) ensures subjects cannot access objects above their clearance level, protecting confidentiality.
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.