A hybrid cloud portal first checks device health at the identity provider, then requires MFA, then enforces a per-application authorization decision before each sensitive action. Network access is also limited by a gateway, and a WAF sits in front of the app. Which two principles are best demonstrated? 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.
Best answer
Zero trust, because access is continuously verified instead of assumed after one login.
The portal keeps re-evaluating trust through identity, device, and application-layer checks.
Best answer
Defense in depth, because several independent layers protect the workload from different angles.
Multiple stacked controls reduce reliance on any single control failing or being bypassed.
Distractor review
Least privilege, because users are granted no access at all until the app is offline.
Least privilege limits permissions, but the scenario emphasizes continuous verification and layered controls.
Distractor review
Separation of duties, because administrators and users must approve each other's actions.
The item does not describe incompatible administrative responsibilities or approval splits between roles.
Distractor review
Need-to-know, because the system hides all information until the user requests it.
Need-to-know concerns restricting information to business relevance, not continuous access validation.
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: Zero trust, because access is continuously verified instead of assumed after one login. — The architecture demonstrates zero trust because it never assumes a user or device is trusted after the first sign-in; it keeps checking device health, MFA, and application authorization. It also demonstrates defense in depth because identity controls, gateway restrictions, and a WAF create multiple protective layers. If one layer fails, another still reduces risk. This is a strong hybrid-cloud design pattern for limiting lateral movement and access abuse. Why others are wrong: Least privilege is part of good design, but the dominant idea here is continuous verification and multiple layers, not merely smaller permissions. Separation of duties is about splitting conflicting tasks, which is not mentioned. Need-to-know is about limiting data visibility to business necessity, but the scenario focuses on access assurance, layered controls, and repeated checks.
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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