Question 1easymultiple choice
Full question →easymultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A hotel uses a key card system. Guests insert their card into the door lock, which reads the card's ID number. The system checks the ID number against a list of authorized rooms. If the ID matches an authorized room, the door unlocks. In this scenario, which concept is demonstrated when the system checks the ID number against the list of authorized rooms?
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
Distractor review
Identification
Identification is the process of claiming an identity (e.g., presenting the card ID), not the subsequent check of permissions.
B
Distractor review
Authentication
Authentication verifies that the identity claim is genuine, often through a password or biometric. Here, the system is not verifying the card's authenticity; it is checking the ID against a permission list.
C
Best answer
Authorization
Authorization is the process of verifying that an authenticated identity is allowed to perform a specific action or access a resource. The system checking the card ID against a list of authorized rooms is a classic example of authorization.
D
Distractor review
Non-repudiation
Non-repudiation ensures that a party cannot deny an action, often using digital signatures. It is not demonstrated in this simple key card scenario.
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: Authorization — Identification is the act of claiming an identity (the card ID). Authentication is verifying that the claim is genuine (the card is not counterfeit). Authorization is determining what the authenticated entity is allowed to do (which rooms can be accessed). The checking of the ID against the authorized list is authorization. Non-repudiation is not relevant 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.
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