Quick Answer
The correct choice is Just-in-time VM access in Microsoft Defender for Cloud. This configuration directly enforces time-bound, on-demand administrative access to Azure VMs by locking down inbound traffic to management ports (like RDP and SSH) via network security groups (NSGs) and only opening them when a user requests access through Defender for Cloud, which then automatically validates the request and applies a time-limited rule. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between identity-based privileged access (Privileged Identity Management) and infrastructure-level VM access controls; a common trap is confusing PIM’s role-based just-in-time for Azure AD roles with Defender for Cloud’s VM-level JIT. Remember, PIM handles who can be an admin, while Defender for Cloud JIT handles when they can touch the VM—think “PIM for roles, JIT for holes.”
This SC-100 practice question tests your understanding of design security solutions 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.
You are designing a privileged access solution for your Azure infrastructure. You need to ensure that just-in-time (JIT) access is required for all administrative actions on Azure VMs. What should you configure?
Microsoft Entra Privileged Identity Management (PIM) for Azure VM roles
Why wrong: PIM manages role activation, not VM access.
Just-in-time VM access in Microsoft Defender for Cloud
JIT VM access locks down inbound traffic and requests temporary access.
Network security groups with service tags
Why wrong: NSGs control traffic but not JIT.
Azure Bastion with Conditional Access
Why wrong: Bastion provides secure connectivity but not JIT.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Just-in-time VM access in Microsoft Defender for Cloud
Option B is correct because Microsoft Defender for Cloud's JIT VM access provides time-bound access to VMs. Option A is incorrect because PIM is for role-based access, not VM access. Option C is incorrect because Azure Bastion provides secure RDP/SSH but not JIT. Option D is incorrect because NSGs alone do not enforce JIT.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Microsoft Entra Privileged Identity Management (PIM) for Azure VM roles
Why it's wrong here
PIM manages role activation, not VM access.
Just-in-time VM access in Microsoft Defender for Cloud
Why this is correct
JIT VM access locks down inbound traffic and requests temporary access.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Network security groups with service tags
Why it's wrong here
NSGs control traffic but not JIT.
Azure Bastion with Conditional Access
Why it's wrong here
Bastion provides secure connectivity but not JIT.
Common exam traps
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SC-100 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Design security solutions for infrastructure — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Design security solutions for infrastructure — This question tests Design security solutions for infrastructure — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: Just-in-time VM access in Microsoft Defender for Cloud — Option B is correct because Microsoft Defender for Cloud's JIT VM access provides time-bound access to VMs. Option A is incorrect because PIM is for role-based access, not VM access. Option C is incorrect because Azure Bastion provides secure RDP/SSH but not JIT. Option D is incorrect because NSGs alone do not enforce JIT.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SC-100 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 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.
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