SC-900 Practice Question: Describe the concepts of security, compliance, and identity
A company's IT department deploys a multi-layered security strategy that includes a perimeter firewall, network segmentation, endpoint antivirus software, data encryption, and employee security awareness training. Which security model does this approach represent?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates see 'firewall' and 'encryption' and immediately think Zero Trust, but Zero Trust requires explicit identity verification and micro-segmentation, not just a layered stack of traditional controls.
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
✓
Defense in Depth
The described approach—combining perimeter firewalls, network segmentation, endpoint antivirus, encryption, and training—is the classic definition of Defense in Depth. This model layers multiple independent security controls so that if one layer fails (e.g., a firewall rule is misconfigured), subsequent layers (e.g., segmentation, antivirus) still protect the asset. It does not assume any single control is sufficient, which is the core principle of Defense in Depth.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Zero Trust
Why it's wrong here
Zero Trust is a security model that operates on the principle of "never trust, always verify." It requires strict identity verification for every person and device attempting to access resources, regardless of whether they are inside or outside the network perimeter. While it incorporates elements like least privilege and micro-segmentation, its primary focus is on continuous authentication and authorization for every access request, rather than the deployment of multiple, distinct security layers to protect an asset.
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Least Privilege
Why it's wrong here
Least Privilege is an information security principle dictating that users, programs, or processes should be granted only the minimum necessary access rights to perform their legitimate functions. This principle aims to limit the potential damage from a security breach or error by restricting what an entity can do. While crucial for security, it is a specific access control principle, not a comprehensive strategy for implementing multiple, overlapping security controls across different domains.
- ✓
Defense in Depth
Why this is correct
Defense in Depth is a cybersecurity strategy that employs multiple, independent security controls and mechanisms across various layers of an IT environment. This approach ensures that if one security control fails or is bypassed, other controls are still in place to detect, prevent, or mitigate an attack. It involves deploying administrative, technical, and physical safeguards in a layered fashion to create a robust and resilient security posture.
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Shared Responsibility
Why it's wrong here
The Shared Responsibility model defines the division of security obligations between a cloud service provider (CSP) and its customers. In this model, the CSP is typically responsible for the security of the cloud infrastructure, while the customer is responsible for security in the cloud, including data, applications, and network configurations. This is an operational and accountability framework, not a technical strategy for deploying multiple, layered security controls within an organization's systems.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Core Security Concepts
Key term
Firewall
A firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing traffic based on predetermined security rules to protect trusted internal networks from untrusted external networks.
Key term
Security awareness
Security awareness is the ongoing practice of educating people within an organization about cybersecurity risks, safe behaviors, and their individual responsibilities to protect information assets.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This SC-900 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SC-900 exam.