Quick Answer
The answer is the Password Hash Synchronization feature enabled in Microsoft Entra Connect. This is correct because Entra Connect is the on-premises tool that orchestrates identity synchronization between Active Directory and Microsoft Entra ID, and password hash synchronization is a specific feature within it that reads password hashes from on-premises AD and securely syncs them to the cloud, allowing users to authenticate with the same password without needing federated services like AD FS. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this question tests your understanding of hybrid identity components and the distinction between the tool (Entra Connect) and the feature (PHS)—a common trap is confusing Entra Connect itself with the PHS feature, or thinking a separate federation server is required. Remember that PHS is a built-in feature of Entra Connect, not an additional component. A helpful memory tip: “PHS is a feature, not a tool—Entra Connect is the tool that makes it cool.”
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.
A company wants to implement hybrid identity with Microsoft Entra ID. Which TWO components are required for password hash synchronization? (Choose two.)
Microsoft Entra Connect
Synchronization tool.
Microsoft Entra Domain Services
Why wrong: Managed domain, not sync.
Password hash synchronization feature enabled in Entra Connect
Synchronizes password hashes.
Microsoft Entra ID Protection
Why wrong: Risk-based protection, not sync.
Azure AD Application Proxy
Why wrong: For on-prem app publishing, not sync.
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 Entra Connect
Microsoft Entra Connect is the on-premises tool that orchestrates synchronization between Active Directory and Microsoft Entra ID. It is required because password hash synchronization (PHS) is a feature within Entra Connect that reads password hashes from on-premises AD and syncs them to Entra ID, enabling seamless authentication without federated services.
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.
Microsoft Entra Connect
Why this is correct
Synchronization tool.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Microsoft Entra Domain Services
Why it's wrong here
Managed domain, not sync.
Password hash synchronization feature enabled in Entra Connect
Why this is correct
Synchronizes password hashes.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Microsoft Entra ID Protection
Why it's wrong here
Risk-based protection, not sync.
Azure AD Application Proxy
Why it's wrong here
For on-prem app publishing, not sync.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'Microsoft Entra Domain Services' (a managed domain service) with 'Microsoft Entra Connect' (the sync tool), or they think enabling the feature alone is sufficient without the sync engine, but both the tool and the feature toggle are required.
Detailed technical explanation
Password hash synchronization works by hashing the on-premises AD password hash (using MD4, then SHA-256) and syncing it to Entra ID at a configurable interval (default every 2 minutes). This allows users to authenticate with the same password without needing federation or Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS), and it also enables features like leaked credential detection via Entra ID Identity Protection.
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Design security operations, identity, and compliance capabilities — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Design security operations, identity, and compliance capabilities 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 security operations, identity, and compliance capabilities — This question tests Design security operations, identity, and compliance capabilities — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Microsoft Entra Connect — Microsoft Entra Connect is the on-premises tool that orchestrates synchronization between Active Directory and Microsoft Entra ID. It is required because password hash synchronization (PHS) is a feature within Entra Connect that reads password hashes from on-premises AD and syncs them to Entra ID, enabling seamless authentication without federated services.
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 →
Keep practising
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.