Question 1easymultiple choice
Full question →easymultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A company implements a security policy where employees must use a smart card to log into their workstations. After logging in, they can only access file shares that correspond to their department. Which two security concepts are demonstrated in this scenario?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
A
Best answer
Authentication and authorization
Smart card login verifies identity (authentication). Restricting file share access based on department controls what the user can do (authorization).
B
Distractor review
Identification and accounting
Identification is claiming an identity, but the smart card provides proof, not just claim. Accounting tracks usage, which is not described in the scenario.
C
Distractor review
Authorization and non-repudiation
Non-repudiation ensures actions cannot be denied (e.g., by digital signatures). The scenario does not involve proof of action.
D
Distractor review
Confidentiality and integrity
Confidentiality protects data from unauthorized access, and integrity ensures data is not altered. While access controls support confidentiality, the scenario explicitly demonstrates authentication and authorization.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
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.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Related practice questions
Related SC-900 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
Question 1
A company must retain all customer contracts for 10 years to comply with industry regulations. After 10 years, the contracts must be permanently deleted. Which Microsoft Purview solution should be used to automate this process?
Question 2
A company uses a cloud-based SaaS (Software as a Service) application for customer relationship management. According to the shared responsibility model, which security responsibility is primarily handled by the customer?
Question 3
A company runs a mix of on-premises servers and Azure virtual machines. They deploy Microsoft Defender for Endpoint on all servers. The security team wants to create custom queries to hunt for a specific attack pattern that involves a sequence of events across multiple machines, such as a PowerShell script being downloaded and then executed on several servers. They need to write their own detection rules based on advanced hunting data. Which Microsoft 365 Defender capability should they use?
Question 4
A company runs a consumer-facing e-commerce website and wants to allow customers to sign in using their existing social media accounts such as Google, Facebook, or LinkedIn. Which Microsoft Entra ID solution should they implement?
Question 5
A company has a hybrid identity environment with Active Directory synchronizing to Microsoft Entra ID. They want users to be able to reset their own on-premises passwords via the cloud SSPR portal. What is the minimum license required for this capability?
Question 6
A company uses a cloud-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system that is delivered as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). According to the shared responsibility model, which security responsibility is primarily handled by the customer?
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SC-900 question test?
Authentication checks who the user is.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Authentication and authorization — Authentication is the process of verifying a user's identity (e.g., using a smart card). Authorization is the process of determining what an authenticated user is allowed to do (e.g., accessing specific file shares based on department). Identification is claiming an identity (e.g., username), which is separate from verification. Accounting is tracking user actions. Non-repudiation ensures actions cannot be denied; confidentiality protects data from unauthorized access; integrity ensures data is not altered; these are not directly demonstrated here.
What should I do if I get this SC-900 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
Discussion
Loading comments…
Sign in to join the discussion.