CCSK Exam Questions Tutorials

NIST defines cloud computing as on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable resources, aligning with the essential characteristics of cloud services. Reference: [Security Guidance v5, Domain 1 - Cloud Computing Models]

Enforcing the principle of least privilege is the practice of granting users and systems the minimum level of access necessary to perform their tasks. By limiting root or core access and restricting the creation of deployments to onlythose who absolutely need it, the risk of unauthorized access, misuse, or damage is minimized. This helps ensure that critical systems and sensitive data are protected by reducing the number of people or services with high-level access.

Trust and verify on demand is not a standard security practice and could create security gaps. Disabling multi-factor authentication is a poor security practice, as multi-factor authentication (MFA) enhances security by adding an additional layer of verification. Deploying applications with full access) contradicts the principle of least privilege and could expose the system to unnecessary risks.

Fine-grained permissions enable specific control over who can access certain resources, thus enforcing the least privilege principle. Reference: [Security Guidance v5, Domain 5 - IAM]

The Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP) is a foundational concept in IAM, highlighted in the CSA Security Guidance v4.0 – Domain 12: Identity, Entitlement, and Access Management. It ensures users, systems, and processes are granted only the permissions necessary to perform their tasks — and nothing more.

“Least privilege refers to granting the minimum level of access — or permissions — needed for users or services to perform their required functions, thereby reducing the attack surface and limiting potential damage from misuse or compromise.”

— CSA Security Guidance v4.0, Domain 12

This principle:

Reduces the likelihood of accidental or malicious misuse

Limits damage in the case of credential theft

Supports compliance with least privilege mandates in frameworks like ISO/IEC 27001 and NIST

Incorrect options:

B is related to federation, not least privilege

C involves monitoring and analytics, not permission assignment

D is about defense in depth, which is broader than PoLP