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SSCP Practice Question: Which access control model is best suited for a…
Which access control model is best suited for a military environment where data classification (Unclassified, Confidential, Secret, Top Secret) and subject clearance levels are the primary factors for access decisions?
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 based on labels (classification and clearance) and is used in military and government settings. Option B is correct. Option A (ABAC) is attribute-based and not the traditional model for military-grade security. Option C (DAC) allows owners to set permissions, which is unsuitable for classified environments. Option D (RBAC) uses roles, not classification levels.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC)
Why it's wrong here
ABAC is flexible but is not the traditional or required model for military classification-based systems.
- ✓
Mandatory Access Control (MAC)
Why this is correct
MAC uses labels and clearance levels to enforce access, making it ideal for military and classified environments.
- ✗
Discretionary Access Control (DAC)
Why it's wrong here
DAC lets resource owners control access, which does not provide the mandatory enforcement required for classified data.
- ✗
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
Why it's wrong here
RBAC organizes permissions by job roles, not by data classification or clearance levels.
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 |
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.