- A
Create conditional access policies to restrict access based on user, device, and location.
Conditional access policies enforce context-based access, adhering to least-privilege.
- B
Enable Azure AD Identity Governance for guest user access reviews.
Why wrong: Access reviews are for governance, not directly for least-privilege implementation.
- C
Use Privileged Identity Management (PIM) for just-in-time role activation.
PIM enables time-bound privileged access, reducing standing privileges.
- D
Require multi-factor authentication for all users.
Why wrong: MFA is a security control, but doesn't directly implement least-privilege.
- E
Assign global administrator role to all IT staff for simplicity.
Why wrong: This violates least-privilege by granting excessive permissions.
Quick Answer
The correct actions are to use Privileged Identity Management (PIM) for just-in-time role activation and to configure Conditional Access policies to enforce access controls. PIM directly supports a least-privilege identity security model in Microsoft Entra ID by granting elevated roles only when needed and for a limited duration, eliminating standing admin access. Conditional Access policies complement this by applying real-time restrictions based on user, device, or location, ensuring that even privileged users only have access under specific conditions. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this pairing tests your understanding that least-privilege is not just about role assignment but also about dynamic enforcement; a common trap is selecting permanent role assignment or multi-factor authentication alone, which are security controls but do not enforce time-bound or context-aware access. Remember the mnemonic “PIM + CAP” — Privileged Identity Management for time, Conditional Access for context — to lock down privilege without locking out productivity.
SC-100 Practice Question: Design security operations, identity, and compliance capabilities
This SC-100 practice question tests your understanding of design security operations, identity, and compliance capabilities. 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.
Which TWO actions should you take to implement a least-privilege identity security model using Microsoft Entra ID? (Choose two.)
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"least"Why it matters: You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
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
Create conditional access policies to restrict access based on user, device, and location.
Option A is correct because PIM provides just-in-time privileged access. Option C is correct because conditional access policies enforce access controls. Option B is wrong because permanent assignment contradicts least-privilege. Option D is wrong because guest review is about governance, not least-privilege directly. Option E is wrong because MFA is a security control, not least-privilege.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Create conditional access policies to restrict access based on user, device, and location.
Why this is correct
Conditional access policies enforce context-based access, adhering to least-privilege.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "least" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Enable Azure AD Identity Governance for guest user access reviews.
Why it's wrong here
Access reviews are for governance, not directly for least-privilege implementation.
- ✓
Use Privileged Identity Management (PIM) for just-in-time role activation.
Why this is correct
PIM enables time-bound privileged access, reducing standing privileges.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "least" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Require multi-factor authentication for all users.
Why it's wrong here
MFA is a security control, but doesn't directly implement least-privilege.
- ✗
Assign global administrator role to all IT staff for simplicity.
Why it's wrong here
This violates least-privilege by granting excessive permissions.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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.
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.
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Design security operations, identity, and compliance capabilities — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SC-100 question test?
Design security operations, identity, and compliance capabilities — This question tests Design security operations, identity, and compliance capabilities — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create conditional access policies to restrict access based on user, device, and location. — Option A is correct because PIM provides just-in-time privileged access. Option C is correct because conditional access policies enforce access controls. Option B is wrong because permanent assignment contradicts least-privilege. Option D is wrong because guest review is about governance, not least-privilege directly. Option E is wrong because MFA is a security control, not least-privilege.
What should I do if I get this SC-100 question wrong?
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "least". You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
What is the key concept behind this question?
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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