Question 1easymultiple choice
Full question →easymultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A security administrator is configuring permissions for a new cloud-based expense reporting application. The administrator assigns each employee only the permissions they need to perform their job functions. For example, employees in the Sales department can view expense reports but cannot approve or modify financial data. Which security principle is the administrator implementing?
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 is a layered security strategy using multiple controls to protect assets; it does not strictly limit permissions per user role.
B
Best answer
Least privilege
This is the correct answer because the administrator is granting the minimal permissions required for each employee's role, directly applying the least privilege principle.
C
Distractor review
Separation of duties
Separation of duties involves dividing critical tasks among multiple people to prevent fraud, not assigning minimal permissions per role.
D
Distractor review
Zero trust
Zero trust is a security model that assumes no implicit trust and continuously verifies every access request, but it does not specifically focus on granting minimal permissions.
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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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: Least privilege — The principle of least privilege states that users should be granted only the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job duties. By assigning only necessary permissions, the administrator reduces the risk of unauthorized access or accidental changes.
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.
Discussion
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