hardMultiple Choice
CAS-004 Practice Question: Is implementing a zero-trust architecture for…
An organization is implementing a zero-trust architecture for remote access. Which component is essential for continuous authentication?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates confuse the initial authentication and encryption provided by a VPN concentrator with the continuous, adaptive trust evaluation required by zero-trust, leading them to choose Option A instead of recognizing that an identity provider with continuous evaluation is the core component.
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
✓
Identity provider with continuous evaluation
In a zero-trust architecture, continuous authentication requires an identity provider (IdP) that can evaluate user and device attributes in real time, such as risk scores, location, and behavior patterns, to maintain trust throughout a session. Unlike static authentication at login, continuous evaluation ensures that access is revoked immediately if conditions change, which is essential for zero-trust remote access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
VPN concentrator
Why it's wrong here
A VPN concentrator authenticates once at tunnel establishment, then trusts the session until it ends, so it cannot re-evaluate device posture or user risk mid-session. It is tempting because VPNs genuinely provide encrypted remote access, and would suit a perimeter-based model where a single gateway check suffices.
- ✓
Identity provider with continuous evaluation
Why this is correct
An identity provider with continuous evaluation satisfies zero-trust's demand for ongoing verification rather than one-time login. Microsoft Entra ID's Continuous Access Evaluation enforces near-real-time revocation of tokens when user risk, location or policy conditions change, closing the window between session issuance and threat detection that static authentication leaves open.
- ✗
Firewall with deep packet inspection
Why it's wrong here
A firewall with deep packet inspection filters and inspects network traffic at the perimeter; it cannot verify user identity or issue authentication challenges, so it provides no continuous authentication. It is tempting because DPI firewalls enforce traffic policy and detect intrusions, which is the right control for network segmentation or threat prevention, not identity verification.
- ✗
Network access control (NAC)
Why it's wrong here
NAC enforces admission policy when a device joins the network, a one-time gate at connection, so it cannot continuously re-verify user identity during a session. It fits onboarding and endpoint compliance checks, not per-request authentication.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CAS-005 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA 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 CAS-005 exam.