A user receives an encrypted email from their bank. They use their private key to decrypt the message. After reading it, they verify that the message content has not been altered during transit. Which security principle is primarily demonstrated by the verification that the content was not altered?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
Distractor review
Confidentiality
Confidentiality ensures data is accessible only to authorized users; encryption provides this, but the verification of no alteration is about integrity.
Best answer
Integrity
Integrity ensures data has not been altered. Verifying that the message content remains unchanged directly demonstrates integrity.
Distractor review
Availability
Availability ensures data and systems are accessible when needed; the scenario does not relate to availability.
Distractor review
Non-repudiation
Non-repudiation prevents denial of actions (e.g., sending a message), but verifying content unchanged is about integrity, not non-repudiation.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
- The first matching ACL entry is used.
- There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
- Check inbound versus outbound direction.
- Read the ACL from top to bottom.
- Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Related practice questions
Related SC-900 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SC-900 question test?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Integrity — Integrity ensures that data has not been modified by unauthorized parties. In this scenario, verifying that the message content was not altered directly upholds the principle of integrity. Confidentiality is about keeping data secret, which is provided by encryption, but the verification step focuses on integrity. Availability ensures data is accessible when needed, and non-repudiation prevents a sender from denying they sent the message, which is different from verifying content unchanged.
What should I do if I get this SC-900 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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