Quick Answer
The answer is to configure the synchronization interval for directory changes. This is correct because Azure AD Connect’s default sync cycle for directory changes is 30 minutes, meaning any on-premises account disable will be reflected in Azure AD within that window only if the sync interval is properly set. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this tests your understanding of hybrid identity synchronization mechanics and the Azure AD Connect scheduler, often appearing as a scenario where you must distinguish between password hash sync, seamless SSO, or staging mode—common traps that do not control sync frequency. A key memory tip is to remember that “directory changes” are the delta syncs that capture account status updates, while full syncs handle object creation or attribute changes. For the 30-minute requirement, simply ensure the sync interval is configured to run at least every 30 minutes via the scheduler or PowerShell.
This SC-100 practice question tests your understanding of design security for infrastructure. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 has a hybrid identity deployment using Azure AD Connect. They want to ensure that if a user's on-premises account is disabled, the corresponding Azure AD account is also disabled within 30 minutes. Which setting should they configure?
Enable password hash synchronization
Why wrong: Only syncs password hashes.
Configure the synchronization interval for directory changes
Azure AD Connect syncs changes every 30 minutes by default.
Install Azure AD Application Proxy
Why wrong: For publishing on-premises apps.
Enable password writeback
Why wrong: Writes password changes back to on-premises.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Configure the synchronization interval for directory changes
Option B is correct because Azure AD Connect's default synchronization cycle for directory changes is 30 minutes. By configuring the synchronization interval (via the Azure AD Connect scheduler or PowerShell), you can ensure that disabled on-premises accounts are reflected in Azure AD within that timeframe. This setting directly controls how frequently Azure AD Connect processes and synchronizes changes from the on-premises Active Directory to Azure AD.
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.
Enable password hash synchronization
Why it's wrong here
Only syncs password hashes.
Configure the synchronization interval for directory changes
Why this is correct
Azure AD Connect syncs changes every 30 minutes by default.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Install Azure AD Application Proxy
Why it's wrong here
For publishing on-premises apps.
Enable password writeback
Why it's wrong here
Writes password changes back to on-premises.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse account status synchronization (which relies on the sync interval) with password-related features like password hash sync or writeback, assuming they also propagate account state changes.
Detailed technical explanation
Azure AD Connect uses the Microsoft Identity Manager (MIM) sync engine, which by default runs a delta synchronization cycle every 30 minutes. The synchronization interval can be customized using the Set-ADSyncScheduler cmdlet with the -CustomizedSyncCycleInterval parameter, allowing intervals as low as 5 minutes. In a hybrid environment where account disabling must be enforced quickly (e.g., for terminated employees), organizations often reduce this interval or trigger an ad-hoc sync via Start-ADSyncSyncCycle -PolicyType Delta.
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
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FAQ
Design security for infrastructure — This question tests Design security for infrastructure — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Configure the synchronization interval for directory changes — Option B is correct because Azure AD Connect's default synchronization cycle for directory changes is 30 minutes. By configuring the synchronization interval (via the Azure AD Connect scheduler or PowerShell), you can ensure that disabled on-premises accounts are reflected in Azure AD within that timeframe. This setting directly controls how frequently Azure AD Connect processes and synchronizes changes from the on-premises Active Directory to Azure AD.
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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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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