- A
Multilevel security is enforced
MAC systems are designed to enforce multilevel security, allowing information at different classifications to be processed on the same system.
- B
Subjects have clearance levels
Subjects (users) are assigned clearance levels that determine which labels they can access.
- C
Access decisions are based on security labels
MAC uses labels (e.g., classification levels) to determine access rights.
- D
The owner of an object can change its security label
Why wrong: Security labels are typically set and managed by administrators; owners cannot change them.
- E
Users can grant permissions to other users
Why wrong: In MAC, access control is centrally governed; users cannot grant permissions to others.
Question 543 of 1,000
hardMultiple SelectObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: Which three statements are true regarding…
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of sscp exam topics. 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 statements are true regarding mandatory access control (MAC) systems? (Select THREE)
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
✓
Multilevel security is enforced
Mandatory Access Control (MAC) enforces system-wide policy based on security labels assigned to subjects and objects. Multilevel security (MLS) is a core MAC property where data at different classification levels (e.g., Secret, Top Secret) is isolated and access is governed by the system, not users. Subjects (users/processes) are assigned clearance levels, and objects have security labels; access decisions compare these labels using rules like the Bell-LaPadula model (no read up, no write down).
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Multilevel security is enforced
Why this is correct
MAC systems are designed to enforce multilevel security, allowing information at different classifications to be processed on the same system.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Subjects have clearance levels
Why this is correct
Subjects (users) are assigned clearance levels that determine which labels they can access.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Access decisions are based on security labels
Why this is correct
MAC uses labels (e.g., classification levels) to determine access rights.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The owner of an object can change its security label
Why it's wrong here
Security labels are typically set and managed by administrators; owners cannot change them.
- ✗
Users can grant permissions to other users
Why it's wrong here
In MAC, access control is centrally governed; users cannot grant permissions to others.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse MAC with Discretionary Access Control (DAC), where owners can change permissions and grant access, leading them to incorrectly select options D or E as true for MAC.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, MAC implementations like SELinux use a security context (e.g., user:role:type:level) for every subject and object, and the kernel enforces access via a policy database (e.g., Type Enforcement or MLS policy). In a real-world scenario, a Top Secret process cannot read an Unclassified file because the Bell-LaPadula 'no read up' rule prevents it, even if the process owner wants to; the system enforces this regardless of user intent.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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.
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 |
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Multilevel security is enforced — Mandatory Access Control (MAC) enforces system-wide policy based on security labels assigned to subjects and objects. Multilevel security (MLS) is a core MAC property where data at different classification levels (e.g., Secret, Top Secret) is isolated and access is governed by the system, not users. Subjects (users/processes) are assigned clearance levels, and objects have security labels; access decisions compare these labels using rules like the Bell-LaPadula model (no read up, no write down).
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 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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