Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A contractor is assigned to a single merger project. The manager approves access to only the project share and the project chat space, even though the contractor technically could use other collaboration tools. Which principle is most directly reflected?
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
Best answer
Need-to-know
The contractor is given access only to information and resources required for the assigned project work.
B
Distractor review
Least privilege
Least privilege limits permissions, but this scenario is more about restricting information access to project needs.
C
Distractor review
Integrity
Integrity protects against unauthorized modification, which is not the main issue in the scenario.
D
Distractor review
Zero trust
Zero trust verifies every request, but it does not specifically describe the project-specific access decision here.
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.
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Question 2
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Question 3
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Question 4
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Question 5
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Question 6
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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: Need-to-know — Need-to-know is the best answer because the contractor is allowed to see and use only the resources directly required for the merger project. The key idea is information restriction based on business necessity, not merely general role permissions. This helps reduce exposure if the contractor account is compromised and limits accidental disclosure of unrelated company data. Why others are wrong: Least privilege is close, but it usually emphasizes the minimum permissions to perform a job, while need-to-know focuses more specifically on restricting access to information that is not necessary. Integrity is about preventing unauthorized changes. Zero trust is a broader access model that assumes no implicit trust and requires verification; it is not the specific principle highlighted by project-scoped access.
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.
Discussion
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