Question 1hardmultiple choice
Full question →hardmultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A security architect is designing a Zero Trust security model for a hybrid organization. Which principle of Zero Trust requires that every access request must be fully authenticated and authorized regardless of the network location, and that access should be granted with the minimum level required?
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
Assume breach
Assume breach focuses on minimizing impact by segmenting networks, monitoring for lateral movement, and using analytics. It does not describe the authentication/authorization requirement.
B
Best answer
Verify explicitly
Verify explicitly means always authenticate and authorize based on all available data points (user identity, device health, location, etc.) before granting access, and then use least privilege.
C
Distractor review
Use least privileged access
Use least privileged access is another principle that focuses on limiting access to the minimum necessary, but it does not cover the initial authentication and authorization step.
D
Distractor review
Segment access
Segment access is part of Zero Trust but is more about network segmentation and micro-segmentation, not the explicit verification of every request.
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: Verify explicitly — The three core principles of Zero Trust are: Verify explicitly (authenticate and authorize every request), Use least privilege access, and Assume breach. The description matches 'Verify explicitly', which mandates authentication and authorization irrespective of source.
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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