Quick Answer
The answer is Microsoft Authenticator passwordless sign-in. This is the correct choice because the organization already has Microsoft Authenticator deployed for MFA, meaning the transition to passwordless authentication in Microsoft Entra ID requires no new hardware, certificates, or additional registration—users simply enable the passwordless sign-in feature within the existing app, authenticating with a biometric or PIN gesture via the same push notification infrastructure. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this scenario tests your ability to prioritize the most seamless and cost-effective path when reducing phishing risks; a common trap is to recommend FIDO2 security keys or Windows Hello for Business, but those require new hardware or device-specific enrollment, making them less practical when Authenticator is already in use. Remember the memory tip: “Already have the app? Skip the hardware—Authenticator’s passwordless path is the smarter start.”
This SC-100 practice question tests your understanding of design solutions that align with security best practices and priorities. 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 company uses Microsoft Entra ID and wants to enable passwordless authentication for all users to reduce phishing risks. Users are already using Microsoft Authenticator for MFA. Which passwordless method should you prioritize?
Windows Hello for Business
Why wrong: Only for Windows devices.
FIDO2 security keys
Why wrong: Requires hardware purchase and deployment.
Certificate-based authentication
Why wrong: Requires PKI infrastructure.
Microsoft Authenticator passwordless sign-in
Leverages existing app and is user-friendly.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Microsoft Authenticator passwordless sign-in
Option D is correct because the organization already uses Microsoft Authenticator for MFA, making the transition to passwordless sign-in via Authenticator the most seamless and cost-effective path. This method leverages the existing app registration and push notification infrastructure, allowing users to authenticate with a biometric or PIN gesture without deploying additional hardware or certificates.
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.
Windows Hello for Business
Why it's wrong here
Only for Windows devices.
FIDO2 security keys
Why it's wrong here
Requires hardware purchase and deployment.
Certificate-based authentication
Why it's wrong here
Requires PKI infrastructure.
Microsoft Authenticator passwordless sign-in
Why this is correct
Leverages existing app and is user-friendly.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may choose Windows Hello for Business (A) because it is a common passwordless option, but they overlook the requirement that it only works on Windows devices, not for all users across platforms.
Detailed technical explanation
Microsoft Authenticator passwordless sign-in uses the device's private key (bound to the user's identity via the Authenticator registration) to sign a challenge from Entra ID, replacing the password with a cryptographic proof of possession. This method relies on the OAuth 2.0 device authorization grant flow and WebAuthn standards under the hood, ensuring the private key never leaves the device. In a real-world scenario, if a user loses their phone, they can recover access via a recovery code or secondary MFA method, but the admin must plan for device lifecycle management.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Design solutions that align with security best practices and priorities — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Design solutions that align with security best practices and priorities practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All SC-100 questions
969 questions across all exam domains
Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
SC-100 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise SC-100 questions linked to Design solutions that align with security best practices and priorities.
Practise SC-100 questions linked to Design security operations, identity, and compliance capabilities.
Practise SC-100 questions linked to Design security solutions for infrastructure.
Practise SC-100 questions linked to Design a Zero Trust strategy and architecture.
Practise SC-100 questions linked to Design security solutions for applications and data.
Practise SC-100 questions linked to Evaluate GRC and security operations strategies.
Practise SC-100 questions linked to Design security for infrastructure.
Practise SC-100 questions linked to Design a strategy for data and applications.
Practise SC-100 questions linked to Recommend security best practices and priorities.
Practise SC-100 questions linked to SC-100 fundamentals.
Practise SC-100 questions linked to SC-100 scenario.
Practise SC-100 questions linked to SC-100 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Design solutions that align with security best practices and priorities — This question tests Design solutions that align with security best practices and priorities — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Microsoft Authenticator passwordless sign-in — Option D is correct because the organization already uses Microsoft Authenticator for MFA, making the transition to passwordless sign-in via Authenticator the most seamless and cost-effective path. This method leverages the existing app registration and push notification infrastructure, allowing users to authenticate with a biometric or PIN gesture without deploying additional hardware or certificates.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This SC-100 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft 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 SC-100 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.