Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A security architect is designing the network security posture for a new branch office. The plan includes a next-generation firewall at the perimeter, an intrusion prevention system on the internal network, mandatory multi-factor authentication for all remote access, and quarterly security awareness training for employees. The architect explains that these controls are independent of each other so that a failure in any single control does not leave the entire network unprotected. Which security concept is the architect primarily implementing?
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
Least privilege
Least privilege restricts users and systems to only the permissions necessary to perform their functions. It does not address the layering of multiple independent security controls.
B
Best answer
Defense in depth
Defense in depth uses multiple overlapping and independent security controls to protect an environment, ensuring that if one control fails, others continue to provide protection. The architect's design directly implements this principle.
C
Distractor review
Zero trust
Zero trust is a security model that assumes no implicit trust and requires continuous verification for every access attempt. While it may involve multiple controls, its primary focus is on verifying each request, not on layering independent controls as described.
D
Distractor review
Separation of duties
Separation of duties divides critical tasks or privileges among multiple people to reduce the risk of fraud or error. The scenario does not involve splitting responsibilities among individuals.
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: Defense in depth — The scenario describes multiple, independent security controls deployed in layers to protect the network. This is the core idea behind defense in depth, where overlapping controls provide redundancy and resilience. If one control fails, others are still in place to mitigate threats. Least privilege (A) focuses on granting only the minimum necessary permissions. Zero trust (C) is a model that requires continuous verification of every access request, not just layering controls. Separation of duties (D) involves splitting critical tasks among multiple individuals to prevent fraud. Therefore, defense in depth is the best answer.
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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