- A
Authentication and authorization
Correct. The fingerprint scan authenticates the user, and the role-based access check authorizes the user to open the database. These are the two security concepts demonstrated.
- B
Confidentiality and integrity
Why wrong: Incorrect. While the scenario involves a confidential database, the concepts of confidentiality (preventing unauthorized disclosure) and integrity (ensuring data accuracy and no tampering) are not explicitly demonstrated. The access control mechanism ensures only authorized users can access the database, which is related to authorization, not a direct demonstration of confidentiality or integrity.
- C
Identification and non-repudiation
Why wrong: Incorrect. Identification refers to claiming an identity (e.g., providing a username), which is not shown here; the fingerprint is used for authentication (proof). Non-repudiation is not established because there is no evidence to prevent the user from denying the action.
- D
Availability and accountability
Why wrong: Incorrect. Availability of the database is not tested or demonstrated, and accountability (tracking user actions) is not shown in this scenario.
Security Concepts: Authentication, Authorization, Confidentiality, and Integrity
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. A key principle to apply: authentication. 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.
A user scans their fingerprint to unlock a corporate laptop. After unlocking, the user attempts to open a confidential database. The system checks the user's role and grants access because the user is a member of the 'Data Analyst' group. Which two security concepts are demonstrated in this scenario?
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
Authentication and authorization
The fingerprint scan demonstrates authentication, as the user proves their identity through a biometric factor. The subsequent role-based check of group membership ('Data Analyst') to grant database access demonstrates authorization. Therefore, only Option A (Authentication and authorization) is correct. Option B is incorrect because confidentiality and integrity are not demonstrated in this scenario: the scenario does not address data protection from unauthorized disclosure (confidentiality) or assurance that data is accurate and unmodified (integrity). The authorization check prevents unauthorized access, which is a component of access control but not a direct demonstration of confidentiality; integrity is not shown at all. Option C is incorrect because identification (claiming an identity) is not shown; the fingerprint is used for proof, not claim, and non-repudiation is not established. Option D is incorrect because availability of the database and accountability of user actions are not demonstrated.
Key principle: Authentication
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Authentication and authorization
Why this is correct
Correct. The fingerprint scan authenticates the user, and the role-based access check authorizes the user to open the database. These are the two security concepts demonstrated.
Related concept
Authentication
- ✗
Confidentiality and integrity
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. While the scenario involves a confidential database, the concepts of confidentiality (preventing unauthorized disclosure) and integrity (ensuring data accuracy and no tampering) are not explicitly demonstrated. The access control mechanism ensures only authorized users can access the database, which is related to authorization, not a direct demonstration of confidentiality or integrity.
- ✗
Identification and non-repudiation
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Identification refers to claiming an identity (e.g., providing a username), which is not shown here; the fingerprint is used for authentication (proof). Non-repudiation is not established because there is no evidence to prevent the user from denying the action.
- ✗
Availability and accountability
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Availability of the database is not tested or demonstrated, and accountability (tracking user actions) is not shown in this scenario.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse 'identification' (claiming an identity, e.g., typing a username) with 'authentication' (proving that identity, e.g., fingerprint), and they may incorrectly select Option C because they see the fingerprint as identification rather than a proof factor.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Incorrect. Identification refers to claiming an identity (e.g., providing a username), which is not shown here; the fingerprint is used for authentication (proof). Non-repudiation is not established because there is no evidence to prevent the user from denying the action.
Scenario analysis trap
Incorrect. While the scenario involves a confidential database, the concepts of confidentiality (preventing unauthorized disclosure) and integrity (ensuring data accuracy and no tampering) are not explicitly demonstrated. The access control mechanism ensures only authorized users can access the database, which is related to authorization, not a direct demonstration of confidentiality or integrity.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, authentication in Windows environments often uses Kerberos (RFC 4120) or NTLM, where the fingerprint scan triggers a credential provider to validate against Active Directory or a local SAM database. Authorization then relies on access control lists (ACLs) and security tokens containing group SIDs (e.g., S-1-5-21-... for 'Data Analyst'), which the system checks against the resource's discretionary access control list (DACL) to determine if access is granted. A subtle behavior is that if the user's token is not refreshed after group membership changes, authorization may fail until re-authentication.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication
- Authorization
- Confidentiality
- Integrity
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Authentication
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 authentication, then practise related SC-900 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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Describe the concepts of security, compliance, and identity — study guide chapter
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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.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Authentication and authorization — The fingerprint scan demonstrates authentication, as the user proves their identity through a biometric factor. The subsequent role-based check of group membership ('Data Analyst') to grant database access demonstrates authorization. Therefore, only Option A (Authentication and authorization) is correct. Option B is incorrect because confidentiality and integrity are not demonstrated in this scenario: the scenario does not address data protection from unauthorized disclosure (confidentiality) or assurance that data is accurate and unmodified (integrity). The authorization check prevents unauthorized access, which is a component of access control but not a direct demonstration of confidentiality; integrity is not shown at all. Option C is incorrect because identification (claiming an identity) is not shown; the fingerprint is used for proof, not claim, and non-repudiation is not established. Option D is incorrect because availability of the database and accountability of user actions are not demonstrated.
What should I do if I get this SC-900 question wrong?
Review authentication, then practise related SC-900 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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