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GCDL Practice Question: A security architect wants to implement a 'never…
This GCDL practice question tests your understanding of a security architect wants to implement a 'never…. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A security architect wants to implement a 'never trust, always verify' security approach where no user or service is assumed to be trustworthy based on network location alone. Every access request must be authenticated and authorized regardless of whether it comes from inside or outside the corporate network. Which security model describes this approach?
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
Zero Trust security model
Zero Trust requires authentication and authorization for every request, regardless of network origin. 'Never trust, always verify' is the defining principle of Zero Trust.
B
Distractor review
Perimeter security model
Perimeter security (castle and moat) trusts everything inside the network perimeter. Zero Trust is the opposite — it distrusts all requests regardless of network location.
C
Distractor review
Principle of least privilege
Least privilege grants only the minimum permissions needed — an important security principle but not the same as Zero Trust's 'always verify regardless of network location' approach.
D
Distractor review
Defense in depth model
Defense in depth uses multiple security layers. While complementary to Zero Trust, it doesn't specifically describe the 'verify every request regardless of network location' principle.
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.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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More questions from this exam
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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
What is virtualization in the context of cloud computing, and why is it fundamental to how cloud providers deliver services?
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this GCDL question test?
Authentication checks who the user is.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Zero Trust security model — Zero Trust security assumes that no network location (inside the firewall, VPN-connected, etc.) makes a request inherently trustworthy. Every access request is authenticated, authorized, and validated regardless of origin. This is contrasted with traditional perimeter security models ('castle and moat') where being inside the network grants broad trust. Google's BeyondCorp is an implementation of Zero Trust, which is also the foundation for Google Cloud's IAP (Identity-Aware Proxy).
What should I do if I get this GCDL question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related GCDL questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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