Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A company's current remote access solution uses a traditional VPN that grants users full network-layer access to the internal LAN once authenticated. The security architect wants to adopt a zero trust architecture to reduce the risk of lateral movement by compromised endpoints. Which of the following implementations best aligns with zero trust principles?
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.
A
Distractor review
Implement a next-generation firewall and require all remote traffic to pass through it with strict rules.
A next-generation firewall provides deep packet inspection and policy enforcement, but still operates at the network layer. Remote users who authenticate are granted network-level access, which does not align with the zero trust principle of granting access only to specific applications on a per-session basis.
B
Distractor review
Deploy a secure web gateway and require all remote users to browse through a proxy.
A secure web gateway (SWG) primarily secures web traffic and can enforce URL filtering and malware inspection. It does not replace the need for application-specific access control and still allows broad network access after authentication, which is contrary to zero trust's micro-segmentation requirement.
C
Best answer
Use a software-defined perimeter that authenticates each user and device before granting access only to specific applications.
A software-defined perimeter (SDP) or zero trust network access (ZTNA) solution authenticates and authorizes each connection request individually, creating an encrypted tunnel only to the requested application. This prevents lateral movement because the user never receives a network-level address on the internal LAN.
D
Distractor review
Enable multi-factor authentication for VPN and implement a VPN concentrator with split tunneling.
Multi-factor authentication strengthens the authentication step, but once the MFA challenge is passed, the VPN still grants full network-layer access to the LAN. Split tunneling can even expose the internal network to additional risks. This does not satisfy the zero trust requirement of granular, per-resource access control.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
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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.
Question 1
A laptop is suspected of being used in a malware incident. It is still powered on and connected to Wi-Fi. What should the responder do before shutting it down?
Question 2
An employee reports a ransomware note on a file server. The server is still powered on, shares are still being accessed, and management wants service restored as quickly as possible. What should the incident response team do first?
Question 3
An employee reports a ransomware note on a finance laptop. The laptop is still powered on, connected to Wi-Fi, and the user says they were just working in a spreadsheet. Management wants the fastest safe response that also preserves evidence. What should the responder do first?
Question 4
You are handed a company laptop suspected in an insider theft case. Legal says the evidence may be needed in court. Which action best preserves admissibility?
Question 5
A developer wants to reduce the risk of SQL injection in a new customer search form. Which two changes are the best mitigations? Select two.
Question 6
A branch office uses a flat LAN, and a compromise on one user workstation could spread quickly to finance systems. Management wants finance workstations isolated from general users, but finance staff still need access to a central finance application and network printer. What is the best design change?
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SY0-701 question test?
Authentication checks who the user is.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use a software-defined perimeter that authenticates each user and device before granting access only to specific applications. — Zero trust architecture operates on the principle of 'never trust, always verify' and typically grants access only to specific resources on a per-session basis after verifying user identity, device health, and other contextual factors. A software-defined perimeter (SDP) or a zero trust network access (ZTNA) solution directly enforces this by creating an encrypted, micro-segmented connection to each application rather than broad network access. Option C is the correct choice. Option A (firewall with strict rules) still provides network-layer access after authentication, which violates the least-privilege and micro-segmentation goals. Option B (secure web gateway) only handles web traffic and does not replace the need for application-specific zero trust controls for all remote services. Option D (MFA plus VPN with split tunneling) improves authentication but still grants broad LAN access once inside, failing to contain lateral movement.
What should I do if I get this SY0-701 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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