Question 1easymultiple choice
Full question →easymultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A user authenticates to a company's network by entering their password and then approving a push notification on their mobile phone. After authentication, the user attempts to access a shared folder containing financial reports. The access is denied because the user's account is not a member of the 'Finance' group. Which security concept is demonstrated when the user is denied access to the folder?
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
Authentication
Authentication is the process of verifying the user's identity (e.g., password and MFA). The denial occurs after authentication, so this is not the correct concept.
B
Best answer
Authorization
Authorization controls what an authenticated user is allowed to do. Denying access to the folder due to missing group membership is an authorization decision.
C
Distractor review
Non-repudiation
Non-repudiation ensures that a party cannot deny having performed an action, often through auditing or digital signatures. This scenario does not involve denying actions.
D
Distractor review
Accounting
Accounting (or auditing) refers to tracking user activities for monitoring and billing. The access denial is not about logging or tracking actions.
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 — This scenario demonstrates the concept of authorization. Authentication verifies the user's identity (password + MFA push). Authorization determines what resources the authenticated user is allowed to access. The denial occurs because the user lacks the necessary group membership, which is an authorization decision.
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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