- A
Least privilege
Why wrong: Least privilege limits access rights but does not inherently require verifying every request as untrusted.
- B
Trust but verify
Why wrong: Trust but verify is a traditional concept that assumes trust within the network, which is contrary to zero-trust.
- C
Explicit verification
Explicit verification is the zero-trust principle that requires verifying every access request as if originating from an untrusted network.
- D
Assume breach
Why wrong: Assume breach assumes a breach has occurred and focuses on containment, not on verification of every access request.
Question 1,339 of 1,411
Assume Breach: Treat Every Access Request as Untrusted
This SC-900 practice question tests your understanding of describe the concepts of security, compliance, and identity. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Your company is implementing a zero-trust security model. Which principle requires verifying every access request as though it originates from an untrusted network, even if the request comes from within the corporate network?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Explicit verification
Option C is correct because 'Explicit verification' is the zero-trust principle that requires verifying every access request as though it originates from an untrusted network, regardless of the source. Option A is incorrect because 'Least privilege' limits access rights but does not inherently treat all requests as untrusted. Option B is incorrect because 'Trust but verify' is a traditional security model that trusts internal networks, contradicting zero-trust. Option D is incorrect because 'Assume breach' focuses on minimizing the impact of a breach, not on verifying every access request.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Least privilege
Why it's wrong here
Least privilege limits access rights but does not inherently require verifying every request as untrusted.
- ✗
Trust but verify
Why it's wrong here
Trust but verify is a traditional concept that assumes trust within the network, which is contrary to zero-trust.
- ✓
Explicit verification
Why this is correct
Explicit verification is the zero-trust principle that requires verifying every access request as if originating from an untrusted network.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Assume breach
Why it's wrong here
Assume breach assumes a breach has occurred and focuses on containment, not on verification of every access request.
Common exam traps
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.
Detailed technical explanation
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.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SC-900 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
- →
Describe the concepts of security, compliance, and identity — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Describe the concepts of security, compliance, and identity practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All SC-900 questions
1,411 questions across all exam domains
- →
Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals SC-900 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
SC-900 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
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.
Describe the capabilities of Microsoft Entra practice questions
Practise SC-900 questions linked to Describe the capabilities of Microsoft Entra.
Describe the capabilities of Microsoft security solutions practice questions
Practise SC-900 questions linked to Describe the capabilities of Microsoft security solutions.
Describe the capabilities of Microsoft compliance solutions practice questions
Practise SC-900 questions linked to Describe the capabilities of Microsoft compliance solutions.
Describe the concepts of security, compliance, and identity practice questions
Practise SC-900 questions linked to Describe the concepts of security, compliance, and identity.
SC-900 fundamentals practice questions
Practise SC-900 questions linked to SC-900 fundamentals.
SC-900 scenario practice questions
Practise SC-900 questions linked to SC-900 scenario.
SC-900 troubleshooting practice questions
Practise SC-900 questions linked to SC-900 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free SC-900 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SC-900 question test?
Describe the concepts of security, compliance, and identity — This question tests Describe the concepts of security, compliance, and identity — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Explicit verification — Option C is correct because 'Explicit verification' is the zero-trust principle that requires verifying every access request as though it originates from an untrusted network, regardless of the source. Option A is incorrect because 'Least privilege' limits access rights but does not inherently treat all requests as untrusted. Option B is incorrect because 'Trust but verify' is a traditional security model that trusts internal networks, contradicting zero-trust. Option D is incorrect because 'Assume breach' focuses on minimizing the impact of a breach, not on verifying every access request.
What should I do if I get this SC-900 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SC-900 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Keep practising
More SC-900 practice questions
- An organization uses Microsoft Purview Compliance Manager to track compliance with regulations. The compliance officer n…
- A company uses Microsoft Teams and wants to ensure that messages containing offensive language are flagged for review. W…
- A financial services firm uses Microsoft Purview Information Barriers to prevent traders from communicating with investm…
- A company uses a cloud-based SaaS (Software as a Service) application for customer relationship management. According to…
- A company has a document management system. The security policy requires that a user in the Sales department can only vi…
- A company implements a security measure to ensure that only authorized employees can view sensitive customer records. Wh…
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
This SC-900 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SC-900 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.