What does the (star) property mean in the Bell-LaPadula model?

The correct answer is C. No write down. In the Bell-LaPadula confidentiality model, the *-property (star property) states that a subject cannot write data to an object at a lower security level - 'no write down.' This prevents classified information from being leaked to lower-classification areas. The simple security p

Submitted by lukas.cz· Apr 18, 2026Access Controls

Question

Options

ANo write up
BNo read up
CNo write down
DNo read down

How the community answered

(45 responses)

A
2% (1)
B
2% (1)
C
89% (40)
D
7% (3)

Explanation

In the Bell-LaPadula confidentiality model, the *-property (star property) states that a subject cannot write data to an object at a lower security level - 'no write down.' This prevents classified information from being leaked to lower-classification areas. The simple security property covers 'no read up' (a subject cannot read above their clearance level). Together these two properties enforce confidentiality by ensuring information only flows upward or stays at the same level, never downward.

Topics

#Bell-LaPadula Model#Confidentiality Model#Access Control Models#Security Models

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