Quick Answer
The correct choice is the Microsoft Authentication Library (MSAL), as it is the only modern library that natively supports the OAuth 2.0 authorization code flow with PKCE for mobile applications. MSAL handles the Proof Key for Code Exchange (PKCE) challenge automatically, ensuring that even public clients like mobile apps using Microsoft Authenticator can securely exchange an authorization code for tokens without exposing a client secret. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this question tests your understanding of secure authentication patterns for native apps versus confidential clients; a common trap is confusing MSAL with the deprecated ADAL or mistaking Microsoft Graph API for an authentication library. Remember that MSAL is the only library designed for the modern, secure authorization code flow with PKCE, while ADAL is legacy and Graph APIs are for data access, not token acquisition. A simple memory tip: "MSAL for mobile, ADAL is a fossil, Graph is for data, not the gate."
This SC-100 practice question tests your understanding of design security solutions for applications and data. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
Your company is developing a mobile application that uses Microsoft Authenticator to sign in users. The app needs to call a web API that is protected by Microsoft Entra ID. You need to ensure that the app uses the OAuth 2.0 authorization code flow with PKCE. Which Microsoft authentication library should you recommend?
Microsoft Graph API
Why wrong: Microsoft Graph API is for accessing data, not authentication.
Microsoft Authentication Library (MSAL)
MSAL supports the OAuth 2.0 authorization code flow with PKCE for mobile apps.
Active Directory Authentication Library (ADAL)
Why wrong: ADAL is deprecated and does not support modern flows like PKCE.
Azure AD Graph API
Why wrong: Graph API is for querying directory, not authentication.
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 Authentication Library (MSAL)
Option D is correct: Microsoft Authentication Library (MSAL) supports the authorization code flow with PKCE for mobile apps. Option A is wrong: Active Directory Authentication Library (ADAL) is deprecated. Option B is wrong: Azure AD Graph API is not an authentication library. Option C is wrong: Microsoft Graph API is for accessing resources, not authentication.
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 Graph API
Why it's wrong here
Microsoft Graph API is for accessing data, not authentication.
Microsoft Authentication Library (MSAL)
Why this is correct
MSAL supports the OAuth 2.0 authorization code flow with PKCE for mobile apps.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Active Directory Authentication Library (ADAL)
Why it's wrong here
ADAL is deprecated and does not support modern flows like PKCE.
Azure AD Graph API
Why it's wrong here
Graph API is for querying directory, not authentication.
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.
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FAQ
Design security solutions for applications and data — This question tests Design security solutions for applications and data — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: Microsoft Authentication Library (MSAL) — Option D is correct: Microsoft Authentication Library (MSAL) supports the authorization code flow with PKCE for mobile apps. Option A is wrong: Active Directory Authentication Library (ADAL) is deprecated. Option B is wrong: Azure AD Graph API is not an authentication library. Option C is wrong: Microsoft Graph API is for accessing resources, not authentication.
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
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