SSCP Access Controls Practice Question
In the Bell-LaPadula model, which property prevents a subject from reading an object at a higher classification level?
⚠ Common exam trap
SSCP often tests the confusion between the Simple Security Property (no read up) and the *-property (no write down), since both are Bell-LaPadula rules but govern opposite operations.
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
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The Simple Security Property (no read up)
The Simple Security Property (also called the no-read-up rule) in the Bell-LaPadula model states that a subject at a given security level cannot read an object at a higher classification level. This prevents unauthorized disclosure of classified information and is the foundational confidentiality rule of the model.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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The *-property (no write down)
Why it's wrong here
The *-property restricts writing downward, not reading upward; it stops a high-level subject from leaking data into a lower-level object. It is tempting because it is a core Bell-LaPadula rule, but the no-read-up requirement is the simple security property, which is the correct answer here.
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The Discretionary Security Property
Why it's wrong here
The Discretionary Security Property governs access via an access matrix at a subject's own classification level; it does not impose the no-read-up restriction. It is tempting because it is a genuine Bell-LaPadula property, but the simple security property is what prevents reading objects at a higher classification.
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The Simple Security Property (no read up)
Why this is correct
The Simple Security Property forbids a subject at a lower classification from reading an object at a higher level, the no read up rule. This directly prevents upward information flow, which is the specific restriction the question describes.
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The Lattice Security Property
Why it's wrong here
No Lattice Security Property exists in Bell-LaPadula; lattices describe the partial ordering of security levels used by the model, not a named rule. It is tempting because lattice structures underpin mandatory access control, but the simple security property is the rule that blocks reading up.
About these practice questions
One of 971 original SSCP practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official ISC2 exam blueprint
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.