Quick Answer
The answer is Password Hash Synchronization (PHS) with Seamless SSO. This is the correct first authentication method because it synchronizes password hashes from on-premises Active Directory to Microsoft Entra ID, allowing users to authenticate with their existing credentials without additional infrastructure, while Seamless SSO provides a silent sign-on experience on domain-joined devices. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this question tests your understanding of the phased migration path from federated or synchronized identity to cloud-only authentication, often appearing as a trap where candidates confuse PHS with Pass-through Authentication or federation. The key distinction is that PHS requires no extra on-premises servers and supports hybrid scenarios immediately, whereas Pass-through Authentication needs agents and federation demands an ADFS farm. For the exam, remember the memory tip: “PHS first, then PT or federation later” — PHS is the simplest, fastest way to start the migration while keeping users happy with their same passwords.
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.
Your company is migrating from on-premises Active Directory to Microsoft Entra ID. You need to ensure that users can authenticate using their existing on-premises credentials while gradually moving to cloud-only authentication. Which authentication method should you implement first?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Azure AD Connect
Why wrong: Azure AD Connect is a tool, not an authentication method.
Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS)
Why wrong: AD FS is federation, not a first step for gradual migration.
Pass-through Authentication (PTA)
Why wrong: PTA requires agents and is more complex than PHS for a gradual move.
Password Hash Synchronization (PHS) with Seamless SSO
PHS is simple and supports gradual migration to cloud 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
Password Hash Synchronization (PHS) with Seamless SSO
Password Hash Synchronization (PHS) quickly syncs password hashes and allows Seamless SSO. Option B is correct. Option A requires more infrastructure. Option C is for federation. Option D is a broader strategy, not a method.
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.
Azure AD Connect
Why it's wrong here
Azure AD Connect is a tool, not an authentication method.
Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS)
Why it's wrong here
AD FS is federation, not a first step for gradual migration.
Pass-through Authentication (PTA)
Why it's wrong here
PTA requires agents and is more complex than PHS for a gradual move.
Password Hash Synchronization (PHS) with Seamless SSO
Why this is correct
PHS is simple and supports gradual migration to cloud authentication.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
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
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.
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 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
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: Password Hash Synchronization (PHS) with Seamless SSO — Password Hash Synchronization (PHS) quickly syncs password hashes and allows Seamless SSO. Option B is correct. Option A requires more infrastructure. Option C is for federation. Option D is a broader strategy, not a method.
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.
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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