Question 1easymultiple choice
Full question →easymultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A security manager explains that the company's security strategy relies on multiple layers of controls, such as firewalls, antivirus software, and multi-factor authentication, so that if one layer fails, another can still prevent an attack. Which security principle does this strategy best represent?
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
Defense in depth
Defense in depth uses multiple overlapping layers of security controls to provide redundancy.
B
Distractor review
Least privilege
Least privilege restricts user permissions to the minimum required, not layering of controls.
C
Distractor review
Zero Trust
Zero Trust is an architectural model that never trusts any request without verification, not specifically about multiple layers.
D
Distractor review
Separation of duties
Separation of duties prevents a single person from having conflicting responsibilities, not about multiple security layers.
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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A company must retain all customer contracts for 10 years to comply with industry regulations. After 10 years, the contracts must be permanently deleted. Which Microsoft Purview solution should be used to automate this process?
Question 2
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Question 5
A company has a hybrid identity environment with Active Directory synchronizing to Microsoft Entra ID. They want users to be able to reset their own on-premises passwords via the cloud SSPR portal. What is the minimum license required for this capability?
Question 6
A company uses a cloud-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system that is delivered as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). According to the shared responsibility model, which security responsibility is primarily handled by the customer?
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: Defense in depth — Defense in depth is the strategy of layering multiple security controls to protect assets. If a single control fails, other layers provide continued protection. The principle of least privilege means giving only the minimum access needed. Zero Trust starts from the assumption that no user or device is trusted by default. Separation of duties divides critical tasks among multiple people. Thus, defense in depth is the correct answer.
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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