Quick Answer
The answer is the least privilege principle. This is correct because the least privilege principle dictates that a user should be granted only the minimum permissions necessary to perform their job function, which in this scenario means the backup operator needs only the ability to execute the backup command—such as using `pg_dump` with a read-only snapshot—without being granted broader SELECT or FILE privileges that would allow reading or modifying the underlying data. On the Systems Security Certified Practitioner SSCP exam, this concept tests your understanding of access control models and is often paired with a common trap: confusing least privilege with separation of duties or need-to-know, so remember that least privilege focuses strictly on the minimum rights for a task, not on dividing responsibilities. A helpful memory tip is to think “just enough access, nothing more”—if a backup operator can only run the backup script, you’ve applied least privilege correctly.
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.
A system administrator needs to assign permissions to a new employee who will be performing database backups. The employee should only be able to execute the backup command but not read or modify the data. Which access control principle should be applied?
Need to know
Why wrong: Need to know applies to information access, not command execution.
Least privilege
Least privilege grants only the permissions required to perform the job.
Separation of duties
Why wrong: Separation of duties splits critical tasks among multiple people, not relevant here.
Defense in depth
Why wrong: Defense in depth is a layered security approach, not a permission assignment principle.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Least privilege
The least privilege principle dictates that a user should be granted only the minimum permissions necessary to perform their job function. In this scenario, the employee needs only the ability to execute the backup command (e.g., using a tool like `pg_dump` or `mysqldump` with a read-only snapshot), not read or modify the underlying data files. Applying least privilege ensures the backup process can run without granting broader SELECT or FILE privileges that would allow data access or alteration.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Need to know
Why it's wrong here
Need to know applies to information access, not command execution.
Least privilege
Why this is correct
Least privilege grants only the permissions required to perform the job.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Separation of duties
Why it's wrong here
Separation of duties splits critical tasks among multiple people, not relevant here.
Defense in depth
Why it's wrong here
Defense in depth is a layered security approach, not a permission assignment principle.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'least privilege' with 'need to know' because both limit access, but least privilege focuses on the minimum permissions to perform an action (execute a command), while need to know focuses on whether the user requires access to specific data content.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Need to know applies to information access, not command execution.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, implementing least privilege for database backups often involves creating a dedicated database role with only the `BACKUP` or `EXECUTE` privilege on the backup utility, and revoking any `SELECT`, `INSERT`, `UPDATE`, or `DELETE` on the data tables. For example, in SQL Server, you might grant `VIEW SERVER STATE` and `BACKUP DATABASE` without granting `db_datareader`, ensuring the backup process uses a read-only snapshot without direct data access. In real-world scenarios, misconfiguration can occur if the backup account is mistakenly added to the `db_owner` role, granting full data access and violating least privilege.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Access Controls — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Access Controls — This question tests Access Controls — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Least privilege — The least privilege principle dictates that a user should be granted only the minimum permissions necessary to perform their job function. In this scenario, the employee needs only the ability to execute the backup command (e.g., using a tool like `pg_dump` or `mysqldump` with a read-only snapshot), not read or modify the underlying data files. Applying least privilege ensures the backup process can run without granting broader SELECT or FILE privileges that would allow data access or alteration.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Same concept, more angles
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. A system administrator needs to implement a control that ensures users can only access files necessary for their job functions. Which principle is being applied?
easyWhy D: The principle of least privilege ensures that users are granted only the permissions necessary to perform their job functions, minimizing the attack surface and potential damage from accidental or malicious actions. In this scenario, restricting file access to only what is needed for job duties directly implements least privilege, as it limits access rights to the minimum required. This is distinct from need-to-know, which focuses on information disclosure rather than access permissions.
Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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