SC-900 Practice Question: Describe the concepts of security, compliance, and identity
A company wants to implement a Zero Trust security model. Which TWO of the following are core principles of Zero Trust?
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
✓
Verify explicitly
Options B and E are correct. Zero Trust core principles are: verify explicitly (B), use least privilege access (E), and assume breach. Option A is incorrect because Zero Trust does not trust based on network location. Option C is incorrect because perimeter-based security is not a Zero Trust principle. Option D is incorrect because Zero Trust rejects implicit trust for internal users.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Trust based on network location
Why it's wrong here
Zero Trust does not trust any location by default.
- ✓
Verify explicitly
Why this is correct
One of the three core principles of Zero Trust.
- ✗
Perimeter-based security
Why it's wrong here
Zero Trust moves beyond perimeter security.
- ✗
Implicit trust for internal users
Why it's wrong here
Zero Trust assumes no implicit trust.
- ✓
Least privilege access
Why this is correct
A core principle of Zero Trust.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Core Security Concepts
Key term
Access control
Access control is the security practice of determining who or what is allowed to view, use, or enter a resource, and under what conditions.
Key term
Zero Trust Architecture
Zero Trust Architecture is a cybersecurity model that requires every user and device to be continuously verified before accessing any resource, regardless of where they are located.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on SC-900
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. Your company is implementing a zero-trust security model. Which principle requires verifying every access request as though it originates from an untrusted network, even if the request comes from within the corporate network?
medium- A.Least privilege
- B.Trust but verify
- ✓ C.Explicit verification
- D.Assume breach
Why C: 'Explicit verification' is the zero-trust principle that requires verifying every access request as though it originates from an untrusted network, regardless of the source. Option A is incorrect because 'Least privilege' limits access rights but does not inherently treat all requests as untrusted. Option B is incorrect because 'Trust but verify' is a traditional security model that trusts internal networks, contradicting zero-trust. Option D is incorrect because 'Assume breach' focuses on minimizing the impact of a breach, not on verifying every access request.
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.