Question 1easymultiple choice
Full question →easymultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A security administrator is explaining the Zero Trust model to a new colleague. The administrator states that trust should never be granted based solely on network location, and every access request must be fully authenticated and authorized using all available signals. Which Zero Trust principle does this statement describe?
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
Assume breach
'Assume breach' is a Zero Trust principle that means designing security controls under the assumption that a breach has already occurred, focusing on minimizing blast radius and segmenting access.
B
Best answer
Verify explicitly
'Verify explicitly' requires continuous authentication and authorization for every request using all available signals, and does not grant trust based on network location alone.
C
Distractor review
Use least privilege
The least privilege principle ensures that users and devices are granted only the minimum access necessary to perform their tasks. It does not directly address the trustworthiness of network location.
D
Distractor review
Segment access
Segment access is part of Zero Trust that involves dividing the network into segments to limit lateral movement, but it is not the principle that explicitly rejects trust based on network location.
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: Verify explicitly — The 'verify explicitly' principle of Zero Trust asserts that all access requests must be fully authenticated, authorized, and validated based on multiple signals such as identity, location, device health, and risk level, regardless of where the request originates. This principle eliminates implicit trust based solely on network location.
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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