Question 1hardmultiple choice
Full question →hardmultiple choiceObjective-mapped
Exhibit
Access request: Requester: helpdesk_27 Task: reset one user's MFA enrollment and unlock one locked account Current access: - Helpdesk_ReadOnly: view user details only - Helpdesk_Admin: unlock accounts and reset MFA for assigned tickets - Domain_Admin: full server and directory administration Proposal: - Add helpdesk_27 to Domain_Admin for 7 days so the ticket can be completed quickly.
Based on the exhibit, which access change best follows least privilege while still allowing the help desk to complete the task?
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
Add helpdesk_27 to Domain_Admin for seven days, since the request is urgent and time-limited.
This is far broader access than the task requires. Domain administration would let the technician change far more than one account and one MFA token, which increases risk significantly. A time limit helps a little, but it still violates least privilege because the permissions are excessive for the work being performed.
B
Distractor review
Use a shared administrator password so the technician can finish the ticket without changing group memberships.
Shared credentials remove accountability and make it impossible to attribute actions to a specific person. They also create a much larger blast radius if the password is exposed. This option is operationally convenient, but it is one of the least secure ways to grant access and does not follow least privilege.
C
Best answer
Grant helpdesk_27 the Helpdesk_Admin role for the ticket and remove it after completion.
Granting the narrower Helpdesk_Admin role is the best least-privilege choice because it gives the technician only the permissions needed to unlock the account and reset MFA. The role is specific to the job function and can be removed after the ticket is complete. That limits exposure while still allowing the work to be finished efficiently.
D
Distractor review
Ask the user's manager to perform the reset manually so the help desk does not need additional access.
This avoids granting permissions, but it is not the most practical or secure operational answer because it shifts work to someone who may not have the right tools or training. Least privilege is about giving the correct limited access to the right role, not simply avoiding access requests altogether. The help desk role already exists for this purpose.
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: Grant helpdesk_27 the Helpdesk_Admin role for the ticket and remove it after completion. — The best answer is to grant the limited Helpdesk_Admin role only for the ticket and then remove it. That satisfies the user's operational need while avoiding the excessive power of Domain_Admin. Least privilege means giving the smallest set of permissions needed to accomplish the task, and the scenario shows a narrower role already exists for exactly this type of support work. Why others are wrong: Domain_Admin is too broad for a single unlock and MFA reset, even if it is temporary. Shared passwords destroy accountability and increase risk. Having the manager do it is not the ideal access-control decision when a purpose-built support role already exists. The key is to match permissions to the exact help-desk function, then revoke them when finished.
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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