Question 745 of 1,013
Zero Trust and Defense in Depth: Hybrid Cloud Security Principles
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.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is defense in depth and zero trust, because the scenario layers multiple independent security controls—device health checks, MFA, per-application authorization, a gateway, and a WAF—to protect the hybrid cloud workload from different angles, while also demonstrating the zero trust principle of “never trust, always verify” through continuous validation before each action. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish zero trust from defense in depth: zero trust focuses on eliminating implicit trust with ongoing verification, whereas defense in depth emphasizes overlapping layers for redundancy. A common trap is choosing only one principle when both are clearly present, as the layered controls satisfy defense in depth and the continuous verification satisfies zero trust. Remember the mnemonic “Layers and Loops”—defense in depth uses layers, zero trust uses verification loops.
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the distinction between Zero Trust (continuous verification) and Defense in depth (layered controls), and the trap here is confusing 'least privilege' with 'continuous verification' or assuming that any multi-step authentication automatically implies separation of duties.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Zero trust, because access is continuously verified instead of assumed after one login.
The scenario describes continuous verification of device health, MFA, and per-application authorization before each sensitive action, which aligns with the Zero Trust principle of 'never trust, always verify.' Unlike traditional perimeter-based security, Zero Trust assumes no implicit trust after initial authentication and requires ongoing validation at every access attempt.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Zero trust, because access is continuously verified instead of assumed after one login.
Why this is correct
The portal keeps re-evaluating trust through identity, device, and application-layer checks.
- ✓
Defense in depth, because several independent layers protect the workload from different angles.
Why this is correct
Multiple stacked controls reduce reliance on any single control failing or being bypassed.
- ✗
Least privilege, because users are granted no access at all until the app is offline.
Why it's wrong here
Least privilege limits permissions, but the scenario emphasizes continuous verification and layered controls.
- ✗
Separation of duties, because administrators and users must approve each other's actions.
Why it's wrong here
The item does not describe incompatible administrative responsibilities or approval splits between roles.
- ✗
Need-to-know, because the system hides all information until the user requests it.
Why it's wrong here
Need-to-know concerns restricting information to business relevance, not continuous access validation.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on SY0-701
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A web portal for customer refunds checks device health at sign-in, then re-checks the device and user context before each refund over a threshold. A session that started on a managed laptop is blocked when the laptop later fails posture checks, even though the password remains valid. Which principle is best illustrated?
hard- A.Defense in depth
- ✓ B.Zero trust
- C.Least privilege
- D.Need-to-know
Why B: The scenario describes a system that continuously verifies trust—checking device health at sign-in and re-evaluating both device and user context before each high-value action—and blocks access even when the password is valid. This is the core of Zero Trust: 'never trust, always verify,' where authentication and authorization are re-assessed at every transaction, not just at session start. The policy enforces access decisions based on real-time posture (e.g., device compliance, user behavior) rather than relying solely on a static credential.
Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This SY0-701 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SY0-701 exam.
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