Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A company's IT department implements a policy for server administrators: they must submit an access request to perform privileged tasks on critical servers. Each request is approved by a manager, and the granted elevated permissions automatically expire after four hours. This approach reduces the risk of standing privileges being exploited. Which security concept is primarily being applied?
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
Just-in-time access
Correct. The scenario describes temporary, time-limited elevated access upon request, which is exactly just-in-time (JIT) access.
B
Distractor review
Least privilege
Incorrect. While JIT access aligns with least privilege, the specific mechanism of temporary permission grants on demand is JIT, not the general principle of minimal permanent permissions.
C
Distractor review
Defense in depth
Incorrect. Defense in depth involves multiple overlapping layers of security (e.g., firewall, AV, encryption). The scenario describes a single access control technique.
D
Distractor review
Zero Trust
Incorrect. Zero Trust is a comprehensive security model that includes continuous verification and micro-segmentation. JIT access is a component that supports Zero Trust, but the scenario best illustrates JIT itself.
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.
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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: Just-in-time access — Just-in-time (JIT) access is a security practice where users are granted elevated permissions only for a limited time when needed, reducing the attack surface from persistent privileged accounts. Least privilege is a broader principle of granting only necessary permissions, but JIT is a specific implementation for temporary elevated access. Defense in depth is a multi-layered security strategy. Zero Trust is a security model that assumes breach and verifies every request, though JIT supports Zero Trust principles.
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
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