- A
Discretionary Access Control (DAC)
Why wrong: DAC lets owners set permissions, not based on clearance levels.
- B
Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC)
Why wrong: ABAC evaluates multiple attributes but does not inherently use clearance labels like MAC.
- C
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
Why wrong: RBAC uses roles, not clearance levels.
- D
Mandatory Access Control (MAC)
MAC uses security labels to enforce access based on classification and clearance.
Question 358 of 1,000
hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: Is implementing an access control system where…
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of sscp exam topics. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
An organization is implementing an access control system where access decisions are based on the sensitivity of the resource and the clearance of the user. Which model is being used?
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
✓
Mandatory Access Control (MAC)
Mandatory Access Control (MAC) enforces access decisions based on comparing the sensitivity label (e.g., classification level) of the resource with the clearance level of the user. This model is non-discretionary, meaning users cannot override or delegate permissions; the system centrally controls all access according to a security policy, such as Bell-LaPadula or Biba.
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.
- ✗
Discretionary Access Control (DAC)
Why it's wrong here
DAC lets owners set permissions, not based on clearance levels.
- ✗
Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC)
Why it's wrong here
ABAC evaluates multiple attributes but does not inherently use clearance labels like MAC.
- ✗
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
Why it's wrong here
RBAC uses roles, not clearance levels.
- ✓
Mandatory Access Control (MAC)
Why this is correct
MAC uses security labels to enforce access based on classification and clearance.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse MAC with RBAC because both involve centralized control, but MAC uniquely relies on mandatory sensitivity labels and user clearances, not roles or user-defined permissions.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In MAC, every subject and object is assigned a security label (e.g., Top Secret, Secret, Confidential) from a lattice. The system enforces rules such as 'no read up' (Simple Security Property) and 'no write down' (*-Property) under the Bell-LaPadula model to prevent information flow from higher to lower classifications. This model is commonly used in military and government systems where data confidentiality is paramount.
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: Mandatory Access Control (MAC) — Mandatory Access Control (MAC) enforces access decisions based on comparing the sensitivity label (e.g., classification level) of the resource with the clearance level of the user. This model is non-discretionary, meaning users cannot override or delegate permissions; the system centrally controls all access according to a security policy, such as Bell-LaPadula or Biba.
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 11, 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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