Question 1hardmulti select
Full question →hardmulti selectObjective-mapped
A contractor is brought in to investigate a single alert on an ERP system. The contractor gets read-only access to one log source through a jump host, cannot see user payroll records, and the account expires automatically at shift end. Which two principles are being applied? Select two.
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
Least privilege, because the contractor receives only the access needed for one investigation.
The account is restricted to the minimum permissions needed to complete the assigned task.
B
Best answer
Need-to-know, because the contractor sees only the log source required for the job.
The contractor is limited to information directly relevant to the alert, not broader payroll data.
C
Distractor review
Separation of duties, because one person cannot both request and approve the access.
The scenario describes restricted access, not a split between requesting and approving a transaction.
D
Distractor review
Defense in depth, because multiple layers of security tools are deployed around the server.
A jump host helps reduce exposure, but the question is about access scope rather than layered controls.
E
Distractor review
Zero trust, because every request is automatically denied until proven safe.
Zero trust emphasizes continuous verification, but the scenario specifically highlights scoped access and data restriction.
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
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
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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: Least privilege, because the contractor receives only the access needed for one investigation. — Least privilege is shown because the contractor only gets the permissions necessary to investigate one alert, with no broader administrative or payroll access. Need-to-know is shown because the contractor can view only the log source relevant to the assigned task, not unrelated payroll records. The jump host and time-limited account support those principles, but the core idea is limiting both permissions and data exposure to what is operationally necessary. Why others are wrong: The scenario does not split a business process between separate approvers, so separation of duties is not the best match. Defense in depth is a broader architecture concept involving multiple overlapping layers, which is not the focus here. Zero trust is related to continuous verification, but the item is specifically about tightly scoped access and information sharing, not an always-verify access model.
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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