- A
Use SMS-based authentication for all users. Deploy OATH tokens for shared computers. Implement Azure AD Conditional Access to require passwordless for admins only.
Why wrong: SMS is not passwordless; OATH tokens are an extra cost.
- B
Implement Windows Hello for Business for all Windows devices. Use smart cards for mobile devices. Use FIDO2 keys for shared computers.
Why wrong: Smart cards are not practical for mobile devices; mobile devices need Authenticator.
- C
Implement Windows Hello for Business for Windows 10/11 devices. Deploy Microsoft Authenticator for mobile devices for passwordless sign-in. Use FIDO2 security keys for shared computers and kiosk scenarios. Enable combined registration for self-service password reset and Microsoft Authenticator.
Comprehensive passwordless approach covering all device types.
- D
Use the Microsoft Authenticator app for all users. Configure passwordless sign-in with the app. Use QR codes for kiosk computers.
Why wrong: Authenticator alone does not cover Windows Hello for Business for Windows devices.
Quick Answer
The correct recommendation is to implement Windows Hello for Business for Windows 10/11 devices, deploy Microsoft Authenticator for mobile devices, and use FIDO2 security keys for shared computers and kiosk scenarios, while enabling combined registration for self-service password reset and Microsoft Authenticator. This passwordless authentication strategy for hybrid identity works because it aligns with Microsoft’s authentication best practices by covering every user scenario: Windows Hello leverages the device’s TPM for strong, built-in biometric or PIN-based sign-in, Microsoft Authenticator provides a seamless phone-based passwordless experience on iOS and Android, and FIDO2 security keys offer a portable, hardware-backed solution for shared or kiosk environments where personal devices aren’t available. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this question tests your ability to map Microsoft’s passwordless deployment tiers to real-world hybrid environments, with a common trap being to recommend SMS or OATH tokens, which are not truly passwordless. A useful memory tip is “Three pillars for hybrid: Hello for hardware, Authenticator for handhelds, FIDO2 for shared.”
SC-100 Practice Question: Design solutions that align with security best practices and priorities
This SC-100 practice question tests your understanding of design solutions that align with security best practices and priorities. 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.
Wide World Importers uses Azure Active Directory (now Microsoft Entra ID) and Microsoft 365. They have a hybrid identity with password hash sync. They want to implement a passwordless authentication strategy to improve security and user experience. They have a mix of Windows 10/11 devices and mobile devices (iOS/Android). They also have some shared computers in kiosk mode. The solution must support all user scenarios and align with Microsoft's authentication best practices. What should you recommend?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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
Implement Windows Hello for Business for Windows 10/11 devices. Deploy Microsoft Authenticator for mobile devices for passwordless sign-in. Use FIDO2 security keys for shared computers and kiosk scenarios. Enable combined registration for self-service password reset and Microsoft Authenticator.
Option A is correct because it covers all user scenarios: Windows Hello for Business for Windows devices, Microsoft Authenticator for mobile, and FIDO2 security keys for shared computers. Option B is wrong because SMS and OATH tokens are not passwordless (SMS is not truly passwordless). Option C is wrong because it relies on Microsoft Authenticator only, missing Windows devices. Option D is wrong because it excludes mobile devices.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use SMS-based authentication for all users. Deploy OATH tokens for shared computers. Implement Azure AD Conditional Access to require passwordless for admins only.
Why it's wrong here
SMS is not passwordless; OATH tokens are an extra cost.
- ✗
Implement Windows Hello for Business for all Windows devices. Use smart cards for mobile devices. Use FIDO2 keys for shared computers.
Why it's wrong here
Smart cards are not practical for mobile devices; mobile devices need Authenticator.
- ✓
Implement Windows Hello for Business for Windows 10/11 devices. Deploy Microsoft Authenticator for mobile devices for passwordless sign-in. Use FIDO2 security keys for shared computers and kiosk scenarios. Enable combined registration for self-service password reset and Microsoft Authenticator.
Why this is correct
Comprehensive passwordless approach covering all device types.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use the Microsoft Authenticator app for all users. Configure passwordless sign-in with the app. Use QR codes for kiosk computers.
Why it's wrong here
Authenticator alone does not cover Windows Hello for Business for Windows devices.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
Identify which SC-100 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SC-100 question test?
Design solutions that align with security best practices and priorities — This question tests Design solutions that align with security best practices and priorities — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Implement Windows Hello for Business for Windows 10/11 devices. Deploy Microsoft Authenticator for mobile devices for passwordless sign-in. Use FIDO2 security keys for shared computers and kiosk scenarios. Enable combined registration for self-service password reset and Microsoft Authenticator. — Option A is correct because it covers all user scenarios: Windows Hello for Business for Windows devices, Microsoft Authenticator for mobile, and FIDO2 security keys for shared computers. Option B is wrong because SMS and OATH tokens are not passwordless (SMS is not truly passwordless). Option C is wrong because it relies on Microsoft Authenticator only, missing Windows devices. Option D is wrong because it excludes mobile devices.
What should I do if I get this SC-100 question wrong?
Identify which SC-100 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
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 →
Same concept, more angles
3 more ways this is tested on SC-100
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A company is migrating its on-premises Active Directory to Microsoft Entra ID. They need to ensure that all user authentication for cloud apps uses passwordless methods. Which security best practice should they implement?
medium- ✓ A.Implement Microsoft Entra ID passwordless authentication
- B.Configure conditional access policies to block legacy authentication
- C.Enable Microsoft Entra ID Privileged Identity Management (PIM)
- D.Require multifactor authentication (MFA) for all users
Why A: Option B is correct because implementing Microsoft Entra ID passwordless authentication (e.g., FIDO2 keys, Windows Hello for Business) aligns with the Zero Trust principle of eliminating passwords. Option A is wrong because MFA alone still relies on a password. Option C is wrong because conditional access policies can enforce passwordless but are not the best practice itself. Option D is wrong because privileged identity management addresses just-in-time access, not passwordless.
Variation 2. Your company is migrating on-premises Active Directory to Microsoft Entra ID. The security team requires that users must use passwordless authentication methods for all sign-ins. Which Microsoft Entra ID feature should you enable to support passwordless authentication?
medium- ✓ A.Microsoft Entra ID passwordless authentication methods
- B.Password hash synchronization
- C.Seamless Single Sign-On (Seamless SSO)
- D.Pass-through authentication
Why A: Option A is correct because Microsoft Entra ID passwordless authentication methods (such as Windows Hello for Business, FIDO2 security keys, and Microsoft Authenticator) are the native features designed to eliminate passwords entirely. These methods satisfy the security team's requirement by enabling users to sign in without a password, using biometrics or cryptographic keys instead.
Variation 3. Your organization is migrating on-premises Active Directory to Microsoft Entra ID. You need to design a solution that aligns with the Zero Trust principle of 'verify explicitly'. Which approach should you recommend for user authentication?
medium- A.Deploy passwordless authentication using Microsoft Authenticator with phone sign-in for all users
- B.Enable users to sign in with Windows Hello for Business and allow password recovery via self-service
- C.Implement password hash synchronization and enforce MFA only for privileged users
- ✓ D.Deploy passwordless authentication using FIDO2 security keys for all users
Why D: D is correct because FIDO2 security keys provide phishing-resistant, passwordless authentication that aligns with the Zero Trust 'verify explicitly' principle by requiring a hardware-bound cryptographic proof of identity at every sign-in. This eliminates reliance on shared secrets (passwords) and ensures that authentication is explicitly verified through a physical device, meeting the strictest security requirements for user authentication.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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