AZ-204 Implement Azure security Practice Question
Your company wants to implement a zero-trust security model for its Azure resources. Which THREE practices should you adopt? (Choose three.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates confuse traditional network security controls (like firewalls and VPNs) with zero-trust principles, mistakenly thinking perimeter defenses are sufficient, while zero-trust requires identity-based, least-privilege access and micro-segmentation regardless of network location.
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
✓
Implement just-in-time (JIT) access for administrative roles
Just-in-time (JIT) access for administrative roles reduces the attack surface by granting elevated permissions only when needed and for a limited time. In Azure, JIT is implemented via Azure AD Privileged Identity Management (PIM), which enforces activation requests, approval workflows, and automatic deactivation. This aligns with the zero-trust principle of 'never trust, always verify' by minimizing standing privileges.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Implement just-in-time (JIT) access for administrative roles
Why this is correct
Implementing Just-in-Time (JIT) access for administrative roles is a cornerstone of Zero Trust. It ensures that elevated permissions are granted only when explicitly requested, for a strictly limited duration, and for a specific task. This significantly reduces the window of opportunity for attackers to exploit standing administrative privileges, aligning with the principle of least privilege and minimizing the attack surface.
- ✓
Require multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all users
Why this is correct
Requiring multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all users is fundamental to a Zero Trust model. MFA strengthens identity verification by demanding multiple proofs of identity, such as something the user knows (password) and something they have (authenticator app or token). This explicit verification ensures that even if one factor is compromised, unauthorized access is prevented, upholding the "never trust, always verify" tenet.
- ✗
Place all resources behind a firewall
Why it's wrong here
Placing all resources solely behind a firewall is a perimeter-centric security approach, which contradicts the core principles of Zero Trust. A firewall primarily protects the network edge, implicitly trusting everything within its boundary. Zero Trust, conversely, assumes no implicit trust based on network location and mandates explicit verification for every access request, regardless of whether it originates inside or outside the traditional network perimeter.
- ✓
Enable micro-segmentation between application tiers
Why this is correct
Enabling micro-segmentation between application tiers is a critical Zero Trust control for limiting the blast radius of a breach. It involves creating granular security zones, often down to individual workloads or application components, and applying strict access policies to control traffic flow between them. This prevents lateral movement of threats within the network, embodying the "assume breach" principle and enforcing least privilege connectivity.
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Use a VPN to connect to the corporate network
Why it's wrong here
Using a traditional VPN to connect to the corporate network is generally not aligned with a Zero Trust model. A VPN typically grants broad network-level access once a connection is established, often implicitly trusting the connecting device and user after initial authentication. Zero Trust requires continuous, explicit verification of identity, device health, and context for every access request to every specific resource, rather than providing blanket network access.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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