Quick Answer
The answer is Read. This is correct because when a user accesses a file or folder over the network, the effective permissions are determined by the most restrictive of the share permissions and the NTFS permissions. In this scenario, the share permission grants Everyone: Read, while the NTFS permission grants the user: Full Control; since Read is more restrictive than Full Control, the effective access is limited to Read. On the Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) exam, this concept tests your understanding of how Windows combines permissions in a networked environment, often appearing in scenario-based questions where a single restrictive share permission can override generous NTFS rights. A common trap is assuming that NTFS permissions always take precedence, but the rule is that the effective permission is the intersection of both sets—the most restrictive wins. Remember the mnemonic: “Share restricts, NTFS refines; the tighter one defines.”
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of access controls. 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.
A user reports that they cannot access a network share. The administrator checks the share permissions and NTFS permissions. The share permission allows Everyone: Read, and the NTFS permission allows the user: Full Control. What is the user's effective access?
Read
The effective permission is the most restrictive: share Read vs NTFS Full Control, so Read.
Full Control
Why wrong: Full Control is not the most restrictive; share permission restricts it to Read.
No access
Why wrong: The user has Read access via share, so not no access.
Modify
Why wrong: Modify is not a standard permission in this context; the effective is Read.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Read
When accessing a network share, the effective permissions are the most restrictive of the share permissions and the NTFS permissions. Here, the share permission is Read and the NTFS permission is Full Control. The most restrictive permission is Read, so the user's effective access is Read.
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.
Read
Why this is correct
The effective permission is the most restrictive: share Read vs NTFS Full Control, so Read.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Full Control
Why it's wrong here
Full Control is not the most restrictive; share permission restricts it to Read.
No access
Why it's wrong here
The user has Read access via share, so not no access.
Modify
Why it's wrong here
Modify is not a standard permission in this context; the effective is Read.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often assume the user gets the higher of the two permissions (Full Control) rather than the most restrictive, leading them to incorrectly select Full Control.
Detailed technical explanation
In Windows, when accessing a file or folder over the network, the system evaluates both share permissions (set on the share) and NTFS permissions (set on the file system). The effective permission is the intersection (most restrictive) of the two, not the union. This is a fundamental security principle to prevent unintended escalation of privileges when combining share and NTFS permissions.
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
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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: Read — When accessing a network share, the effective permissions are the most restrictive of the share permissions and the NTFS permissions. Here, the share permission is Read and the NTFS permission is Full Control. The most restrictive permission is Read, so the user's effective access is Read.
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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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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