The correct actions to implement a zero-trust identity strategy in Microsoft Entra ID are to configure Conditional Access policies based on user risk and device compliance. These two controls directly enforce the zero-trust principle of "never trust, always verify" by continuously evaluating real-time signals—such as sign-in risk and device health—before granting access to resources. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between core zero-trust enforcement mechanisms and general identity features; a common trap is confusing passwordless authentication or single sign-on with zero-trust actions, when in fact they are convenience or modernization steps, not conditional enforcement. Remember that zero-trust identity hinges on dynamic policy decisions, not static credentials or synchronization. Memory tip: think "Risk + Compliance = Real-time Control" to recall that user risk and device compliance are the two key signals for Conditional Access in a zero-trust strategy.
SC-100 Practice Question: Design security operations, identity, and compliance capabilities
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.
Which TWO actions should you take to implement a zero-trust identity strategy in Microsoft Entra ID?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Require multi-factor authentication for all users
A is correct because MFA is a core zero-trust control. D is correct because Conditional Access enforces policies based on signals. B is wrong because passwordless authentication is recommended but not a specific zero-trust action. C is wrong because single sign-on is convenience, not zero-trust. E is wrong because synchronization is for hybrid identity, not zero-trust.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Implement passwordless authentication for all users
Why it's wrong here
Passwordless is good but not a required zero-trust action.
✗
Synchronize all on-premises identities to the cloud
Why it's wrong here
Synchronization is unrelated to zero-trust.
✓
Configure Conditional Access policies based on user risk and device compliance
Why this is correct
Conditional Access enforces zero-trust policies.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this SC-100 question in full detail.
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.
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..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Require multi-factor authentication for all users — A is correct because MFA is a core zero-trust control. D is correct because Conditional Access enforces policies based on signals. B is wrong because passwordless authentication is recommended but not a specific zero-trust action. C is wrong because single sign-on is convenience, not zero-trust. E is wrong because synchronization is for hybrid identity, not zero-trust.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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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. Which TWO actions should you take to implement a Zero Trust security strategy for identity and access? (Choose two.)
medium
✓ A.Require Multi-Factor Authentication for all users.
B.Use VPN for remote access to the corporate network.
✓ C.Implement Conditional Access policies that evaluate user, device, and location.
D.Rely on strong passwords only.
E.Create shared accounts for temporary workers.
Why A: Options A and D are correct. Option A is correct because Multi-Factor Authentication is a fundamental Zero Trust control. Option D is correct because Conditional Access enforces policies based on signals. Option B is incorrect because VPN is a perimeter-based approach, not Zero Trust. Option C is incorrect because shared accounts violate the principle of least privilege. Option E is incorrect because passwords alone are not sufficient.
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Question Discussion
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