- A
Schedule regular backups.
Why wrong: Backups ensure availability but do not control access.
- B
Implement access control lists (ACLs) on shared folders.
ACLs enforce permissions, restricting access only to authorized users.
- C
Install antivirus software on all endpoints.
Why wrong: Antivirus protects against malware, not unauthorized access.
- D
Enable detailed audit logging.
Why wrong: Logging helps detect incidents but does not prevent unauthorized access.
- E
Encrypt files with AES-256.
Why wrong: Encryption protects data if stolen, but does not prevent authorized users from sharing.
Question 297 of 1,000
easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
SSCP Access Control List (ACL) Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of access control list (acl). 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. A key principle to apply: access Control List (ACL). 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 company is implementing a new file-sharing application for employees. Which of the following is the most important security control to prevent unauthorized access to shared files?
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
✓
Implement access control lists (ACLs) on shared folders.
The most important control to prevent unauthorized access to shared files is implementing access control lists (ACLs), which explicitly define who can access resources and what permissions they have. Encryption (E) protects data at rest but does not manage permissions; audit logging (D) is detective, not preventive; antivirus (C) prevents malware but does not control access; backups (A) ensure availability, not confidentiality. Therefore, B is correct.
Key principle: Access Control List (ACL)
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Schedule regular backups.
Why it's wrong here
Backups ensure availability but do not control access.
- ✓
Implement access control lists (ACLs) on shared folders.
Why this is correct
ACLs enforce permissions, restricting access only to authorized users.
Related concept
Access Control List (ACL)
- ✗
Install antivirus software on all endpoints.
Why it's wrong here
Antivirus protects against malware, not unauthorized access.
- ✗
Enable detailed audit logging.
Why it's wrong here
Logging helps detect incidents but does not prevent unauthorized access.
- ✗
Encrypt files with AES-256.
Why it's wrong here
Encryption protects data if stolen, but does not prevent authorized users from sharing.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Treat this as a scenario question. Identify the problem, the constraint, and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Access Control List (ACL)
- Principle of Least Privilege
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
Access Control List (ACL)
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
Visual reference
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review access Control List (ACL), then practise related SSCP questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
Related practice questions
Related SSCP practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Access Controls practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Access Controls.
Risk Identification, Monitoring, and Analysis practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Risk Identification, Monitoring, and Analysis.
Incident Response and Recovery practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Incident Response and Recovery.
Security Operations and Administration practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Security Operations and Administration.
Cryptography practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Cryptography.
Network and Communications Security practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Network and Communications Security.
Systems and Application Security practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Systems and Application Security.
Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis.
SSCP fundamentals practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to SSCP fundamentals.
SSCP scenario practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to SSCP scenario.
SSCP troubleshooting practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to SSCP troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free SSCP practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Access Control List (ACL)
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Implement access control lists (ACLs) on shared folders. — The most important control to prevent unauthorized access to shared files is implementing access control lists (ACLs), which explicitly define who can access resources and what permissions they have. Encryption (E) protects data at rest but does not manage permissions; audit logging (D) is detective, not preventive; antivirus (C) prevents malware but does not control access; backups (A) ensure availability, not confidentiality. Therefore, B is correct.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Review access Control List (ACL), then practise related SSCP questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Access Control List (ACL)
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Keep practising
More SSCP practice questions
- A company has implemented a new vulnerability scanner and the first scan reports 200 vulnerabilities. The security team…
- A security analyst is reviewing logs and notices multiple failed login attempts from a single IP address against an admi…
- A security manager is evaluating log sources for a SIEM implementation. Which THREE of the following are considered log…
- A vulnerability scanner reports a medium-severity finding on a server. After investigation, the security team determines…
- During a qualitative risk analysis, an organization rates the likelihood of a flood as 'Low' and the impact as 'High'. U…
- A security analyst is tuning a SIEM to reduce false positives. Which of the following actions is most likely to reduce f…
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.