Quick Answer
The answer is to integrate AKS with Microsoft Entra ID for authentication. This is correct because Microsoft Entra ID provides centralized identity and access management, enabling token-based authentication for the Kubernetes API server that enforces conditional access policies and multi-factor authentication, which local accounts like client certificates or service principals cannot offer. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between authentication and authorization layers—a common trap is confusing Azure RBAC for Kubernetes (which governs authorization after identity is verified) with the authentication mechanism itself. Remember that managed identities serve pod-to-service authentication, not user access to the API server. A simple memory tip: think of Entra ID as the "bouncer checking ID at the door" (authentication), while Azure RBAC is the "list of who gets into which rooms" (authorization).
This SC-100 practice question tests your understanding of design security solutions for infrastructure. 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.
You are designing a secure access solution for an Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) cluster that hosts a critical application. You need to ensure that only authorized users can access the Kubernetes API server. Which authentication method should you use?
Use Kubernetes service account tokens.
Why wrong: Service account tokens are for pods, not for user authentication.
Use AKS managed identities for each user.
Why wrong: Managed identities are for Azure resources, not for user authentication.
Use Azure RBAC for Kubernetes authorization.
Why wrong: Authorization, not authentication.
Integrate AKS with Microsoft Entra ID for authentication.
Provides secure, managed 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
Integrate AKS with Microsoft Entra ID for authentication.
Option B is correct because Microsoft Entra ID integration provides robust authentication and authorization for the AKS API server. Option A is wrong because local accounts (service principal or client certificate) are less secure and do not integrate with identity management. Option C is wrong because Azure RBAC for Kubernetes is authorization, not authentication. Option D is wrong because managed identities are for pod authentication, not for users.
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.
Use Kubernetes service account tokens.
Why it's wrong here
Service account tokens are for pods, not for user authentication.
Use AKS managed identities for each user.
Why it's wrong here
Managed identities are for Azure resources, not for user authentication.
Use Azure RBAC for Kubernetes authorization.
Why it's wrong here
Authorization, not authentication.
Integrate AKS with Microsoft Entra ID for authentication.
Why this is correct
Provides secure, managed authentication.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
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 infrastructure — This question tests Design security solutions for infrastructure — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: Integrate AKS with Microsoft Entra ID for authentication. — Option B is correct because Microsoft Entra ID integration provides robust authentication and authorization for the AKS API server. Option A is wrong because local accounts (service principal or client certificate) are less secure and do not integrate with identity management. Option C is wrong because Azure RBAC for Kubernetes is authorization, not authentication. Option D is wrong because managed identities are for pod authentication, not for users.
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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