Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A help desk analyst can reset passwords in the ticketing portal but cannot view payroll records, edit user profiles, or access other HR functions. Which security principle is the organization applying?
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
The analyst is given only the permissions needed to perform password resets and nothing beyond that task.
B
Distractor review
Defense in depth
Defense in depth uses multiple layers of protection, not a narrowly scoped user permission model.
C
Distractor review
Separation of duties
Separation of duties splits critical tasks among people to prevent fraud or abuse, which is different here.
D
Distractor review
Zero trust
Zero trust continuously verifies access, but the question focuses on limiting assigned permissions.
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: Least privilege — Least privilege is the best answer because the analyst receives only the access required to complete a specific job task: password resets. The scenario intentionally restricts broader HR and payroll access, which reduces the impact of mistakes or abuse. Security+ often frames least privilege as giving the minimum permissions necessary, not the most convenient set of permissions for the role. Why others are wrong: Defense in depth is about layering controls, such as MFA, filtering, and logging, rather than defining a user's access scope. Separation of duties requires multiple people to complete sensitive processes, which is not the issue here. Zero trust is a broader trust model centered on continuous verification; it does not specifically describe the narrow permission assignment shown in the scenario.
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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