The most likely cause is that the user is logging on locally to the server where the files are stored, which bypasses share permissions entirely. This happens because share permissions only control access over the network via SMB, while NTFS permissions are evaluated directly during a local logon. If the user has NTFS read rights on the folder, they can access the files regardless of restrictive share settings. On the Systems Security Certified Practitioner SSCP exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the layered permission model and the common trap of assuming share permissions apply universally. A frequent memory tip is to remember that share permissions are a network gate, not a local lock—they only guard the SMB door. For the exam, think “local logon = NTFS only; network logon = most restrictive of NTFS and share.”
SSCP Access Controls Practice Question
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.
The security team discovers that a user in the finance department can read files in the human resources share. The share permissions on the HR folder are set to deny all except the HR group, and the user is not a member of HR. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The user is logging on locally to the server where the files are stored
When a user logs on locally to the file server, Windows evaluates NTFS permissions directly, bypassing share permissions entirely. Share permissions only apply to network access via SMB, so a local logon allows the user to read files if NTFS permissions grant access, even if share permissions deny all except the HR group.
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.
✓
The user is logging on locally to the server where the files are stored
Why this is correct
Share permissions only apply to network access; local access is governed by NTFS permissions alone, which may allow the user.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The user is an administrator on the file server
Why it's wrong here
Even an administrator would be subject to share permissions; they would not bypass them unless taking ownership.
✗
The user is using a different file server for HR files
Why it's wrong here
If the files are on a different share, this question would not be about the same HR folder.
✗
The user's token includes a group that has been explicitly denied
Why it's wrong here
Explicit deny overrides allow; but if denied, access would be blocked, not granted.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISC2 often tests the distinction between share permissions and NTFS permissions, specifically that share permissions only apply to network access, not local logons, leading candidates to overlook the local logon scenario.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Share permissions are evaluated only when a user connects to a shared folder over the network (SMB protocol). Local logons (e.g., via RDP or console) bypass share permissions, and only NTFS permissions are checked. This is a common misconfiguration where administrators set restrictive share permissions but grant broad NTFS permissions, assuming both layers are always enforced. In Windows, the effective permission is the most restrictive of share and NTFS permissions for network access, but local access ignores share permissions entirely.
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.
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.
Access Controls — This question tests Access Controls — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The user is logging on locally to the server where the files are stored — When a user logs on locally to the file server, Windows evaluates NTFS permissions directly, bypassing share permissions entirely. Share permissions only apply to network access via SMB, so a local logon allows the user to read files if NTFS permissions grant access, even if share permissions deny all except the HR group.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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 →
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.
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.