- A
Enable multifactor authentication (MFA) for all users
Enabling multifactor authentication (MFA) for all users is a foundational security measure that adds an extra layer of protection against credential theft, making it one of the most effective actions to improve user account security.
- B
Require complex passwords with a minimum length of 16 characters
Why wrong: Requiring complex passwords and long minimum lengths may provide some security, but it is not as effective as MFA and can lead to password fatigue and poor user practices. It is not considered one of the top three actions in modern identity security.
- C
Disable legacy authentication protocols
Why wrong: Disabling legacy authentication protocols (e.g., basic auth for Exchange Online) is a good security practice, but it primarily addresses security risks from aging protocols rather than directly improving user account security posture. The three key actions are MFA, SSPR with MFA verification, and Conditional Access policies.
- D
Enable self-service password reset (SSPR)
Enabling self-service password reset (SSPR) improves security posture by reducing helpdesk burden and encouraging users to update passwords promptly, especially when combined with MFA verification to prevent abuse.
- E
Configure Conditional Access policies to block risky sign-ins
Configuring Conditional Access policies to block risky sign-ins enhances security by using real-time risk detection to prevent unauthorized access, complementing MFA and SSPR.
Three Actions to Improve User Account Security in Microsoft 365 — MFA, SSPR, Conditional Access
This MS-900 practice question tests your understanding of describe security, compliance, privacy, and trust in microsoft 365. 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.
You are responsible for securing identities in Microsoft 365. Which THREE actions should you take to improve the security posture of user accounts? (Choose three.)
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
Enable multifactor authentication (MFA) for all users
Enabling multifactor authentication (MFA) for all users is a foundational security measure that adds a second layer of verification beyond just a password. This significantly reduces the risk of account compromise, even if a password is stolen, because an attacker would also need access to the user's trusted device or biometric. Microsoft 365 MFA supports methods like the Microsoft Authenticator app, SMS, phone call, and OATH tokens, and can be enforced via Conditional Access policies or security defaults.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Enable multifactor authentication (MFA) for all users
Why this is correct
Enabling multifactor authentication (MFA) for all users is a foundational security measure that adds an extra layer of protection against credential theft, making it one of the most effective actions to improve user account security.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Require complex passwords with a minimum length of 16 characters
Why it's wrong here
Requiring complex passwords and long minimum lengths may provide some security, but it is not as effective as MFA and can lead to password fatigue and poor user practices. It is not considered one of the top three actions in modern identity security.
- ✗
Disable legacy authentication protocols
Why it's wrong here
Disabling legacy authentication protocols (e.g., basic auth for Exchange Online) is a good security practice, but it primarily addresses security risks from aging protocols rather than directly improving user account security posture. The three key actions are MFA, SSPR with MFA verification, and Conditional Access policies.
- ✓
Enable self-service password reset (SSPR)
Why this is correct
Enabling self-service password reset (SSPR) improves security posture by reducing helpdesk burden and encouraging users to update passwords promptly, especially when combined with MFA verification to prevent abuse.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Configure Conditional Access policies to block risky sign-ins
Why this is correct
Configuring Conditional Access policies to block risky sign-ins enhances security by using real-time risk detection to prevent unauthorized access, complementing MFA and SSPR.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may mistakenly think that disabling legacy authentication protocols (Option C) is not a security measure, or that self-service password reset (Option D) directly improves security posture, when in fact SSPR is primarily a convenience feature and can weaken security if not properly configured with MFA verification.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, MFA in Microsoft 365 relies on Azure AD authentication methods and can be enforced via Conditional Access policies that evaluate user risk, location, device compliance, and application sensitivity. Legacy authentication protocols like POP3, IMAP4, SMTP, and older versions of ActiveSync do not support MFA, making them a primary vector for password spray and brute-force attacks; disabling them forces clients to use modern authentication (OAuth 2.0) which supports MFA and Conditional Access. Conditional Access policies use signals from Azure AD Identity Protection, such as anonymous IP addresses, atypical travel, and leaked credentials, to dynamically block or require MFA for risky sign-ins, providing adaptive security.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this MS-900 question test?
Describe security, compliance, privacy, and trust in Microsoft 365 — This question tests Describe security, compliance, privacy, and trust in Microsoft 365 — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable multifactor authentication (MFA) for all users — Enabling multifactor authentication (MFA) for all users is a foundational security measure that adds a second layer of verification beyond just a password. This significantly reduces the risk of account compromise, even if a password is stolen, because an attacker would also need access to the user's trusted device or biometric. Microsoft 365 MFA supports methods like the Microsoft Authenticator app, SMS, phone call, and OATH tokens, and can be enforced via Conditional Access policies or security defaults.
What should I do if I get this MS-900 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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