The answer is enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) and using Conditional Access policies. These two controls form the foundation of identity security best practices because MFA adds a critical second layer of verification beyond a password, while Conditional Access allows you to enforce policies based on user, device, location, or risk level before granting access. On the Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals SC-900 exam, this question tests your understanding of the Zero Trust model’s core principle of “verify explicitly”—MFA and Conditional Access are the primary tools Microsoft recommends for implementing that principle. A common trap is confusing Single Sign-On (SSO) as a standalone best practice; remember that SSO simplifies access but does not secure it without MFA. For a quick memory tip, think “MFA + CA = secure access every day.”
SC-900 Practice Question: Describe the concepts of security, compliance, and identity
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.
Which TWO of the following are identity-related security best practices recommended by Microsoft? (Choose two.)
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Implement Conditional Access policies
Options A and C are correct. Using Conditional Access policies and enabling MFA are key identity security best practices. Option B is wrong because sharing passwords is never recommended. Option D is wrong because SSO reduces password use but is not a standalone best practice without MFA. Option E is wrong because disabling auditing reduces visibility.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Share passwords with team members for critical accounts
Why it's wrong here
Password sharing violates security best practices.
✓
Implement Conditional Access policies
Why this is correct
Conditional Access enforces access controls based on signals.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use single sign-on (SSO) without MFA
Why it's wrong here
SSO alone is not sufficient; MFA should be enforced.
✗
Disable sign-in logs to reduce storage costs
Why it's wrong here
Sign-in logs are critical for security monitoring.
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this SC-900 question in full detail.
Identify which SC-900 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Describe the concepts of security, compliance, and identity — This question tests Describe the concepts of security, compliance, and identity — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Implement Conditional Access policies — Options A and C are correct. Using Conditional Access policies and enabling MFA are key identity security best practices. Option B is wrong because sharing passwords is never recommended. Option D is wrong because SSO reduces password use but is not a standalone best practice without MFA. Option E is wrong because disabling auditing reduces visibility.
What should I do if I get this SC-900 question wrong?
Identify which SC-900 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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