Question 1hardmultiple choice
Full question →hardmultiple choiceObjective-mapped
An organization implements a security policy where users must authenticate using a smart card and PIN. After successful authentication, the system checks whether the user's device is managed by the organization and complies with security baselines. If the device is compliant, the user is granted access to the corporate network. If not, access is denied. This approach most directly reflects which security model?
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
Defense in depth
Defense in depth uses multiple layers of security controls. While this scenario includes two layers (authentication and device check), it specifically embodies the 'never trust, always verify' philosophy of Zero Trust, not just layered defenses.
B
Best answer
Zero Trust
Zero Trust requires verifying every access attempt, including identity and device health. The policy of blocking access if the device is non-compliant is a core component of Zero Trust architecture.
C
Distractor review
CIA triad
The CIA triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability) is a set of security goals. This scenario discusses an access control model, not a specific security goal.
D
Distractor review
Least privilege
Least privilege limits user permissions to only what is necessary. While device compliance may be a factor, the scenario does not specify permission scope; it focuses on verifying identity and device before granting network access.
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.
Question 1
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Question 2
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Question 3
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Question 4
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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: Zero Trust — The Zero Trust model is based on the principle of 'never trust, always verify.' It requires continuous verification of identity, device health, and other signals before granting access. In this scenario, the organization verifies the user's identity and then checks device compliance before granting network access, which aligns with Zero Trust. Defense in depth is a layered defensive strategy, CIA triad is about confidentiality, integrity, and availability, and least privilege focuses on minimal permissions. While device compliance may support least privilege, the primary model here is Zero Trust.
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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