Quick Answer
The answer is verify explicitly, least privilege, and assume breach. These three foundational principles of Zero Trust form the core of Microsoft’s security model, requiring every access request to be authenticated and authorized based on all available data points, granting only the minimum permissions necessary for a task, and continuously monitoring for threats as if a breach has already occurred. On the Microsoft 365 Administrator MS-102 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish these core pillars from supporting technologies like multifactor authentication or device compliance, which are implementation tools rather than principles. A common trap is confusing “verify explicitly” with simple password checks—remember it demands real-time risk evaluation, not just static credentials. To lock in the concept, use the mnemonic VLA: Verify, Least, Assume—the three non-negotiable legs of the Zero Trust stool.
This MS-102 practice question tests your understanding of implement and manage microsoft entra identity and access. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
Your organization uses Microsoft Entra ID and has strict security requirements. You need to implement a Zero Trust security model. Which THREE of the following are foundational principles of Zero Trust that should be implemented?
Assume trust based on location
Why wrong: Zero Trust assumes no implicit trust.
Segment access
Why wrong: Network segmentation is a tactic, not a core principle.
Use least privilege access
Limit user access with Just-In-Time and Just-Enough-Access (JIT/JEA).
Assume breach
Assume that breaches have happened and will happen, and design accordingly.
Verify explicitly
Always authenticate and authorize based on all available data points.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Use least privilege access
Option C is correct because least privilege access is a foundational principle of Zero Trust, ensuring users and devices are granted only the minimum permissions necessary to perform their tasks. In Microsoft Entra ID, this is implemented through features like Privileged Identity Management (PIM) and conditional access policies that restrict access based on role and context, reducing the attack surface.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Assume trust based on location
Why it's wrong here
Zero Trust assumes no implicit trust.
Segment access
Why it's wrong here
Network segmentation is a tactic, not a core principle.
Use least privilege access
Why this is correct
Limit user access with Just-In-Time and Just-Enough-Access (JIT/JEA).
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Assume breach
Why this is correct
Assume that breaches have happened and will happen, and design accordingly.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Verify explicitly
Why this is correct
Always authenticate and authorize based on all available data points.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Microsoft often tests the distinction between security best practices (like segmentation) and the specific foundational principles of Zero Trust, causing candidates to select 'Segment access' because it sounds correct, but it is not one of the three core pillars defined by Microsoft.
Detailed technical explanation
The three Zero Trust principles—verify explicitly, use least privilege, and assume breach—are defined by Microsoft and NIST SP 800-207. Under the hood, 'verify explicitly' requires continuous authentication and authorization using signals like user risk, device compliance, and real-time session context via Conditional Access in Entra ID. 'Assume breach' drives practices like micro-segmentation and just-in-time access, limiting lateral movement even if an attacker gains a foothold.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Implement and manage Microsoft Entra identity and access — This question tests Implement and manage Microsoft Entra identity and access — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Use least privilege access — Option C is correct because least privilege access is a foundational principle of Zero Trust, ensuring users and devices are granted only the minimum permissions necessary to perform their tasks. In Microsoft Entra ID, this is implemented through features like Privileged Identity Management (PIM) and conditional access policies that restrict access based on role and context, reducing the attack surface.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Same concept, more angles
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. Your organization is implementing a zero-trust security model. Which TWO Microsoft Entra ID features should you enable to enforce least-privilege access and continuous verification?
mediumWhy A: Conditional Access enables continuous verification, and Privileged Identity Management enforces just-in-time access. Option B is wrong because SSPR is for password reset. Option D is wrong because Microsoft Entra Join is a device identity method. Option E is wrong because Application Proxy is for remote access.
Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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