Quick Answer
The answer is to detect and remediate identity risks. Microsoft Entra ID Identity Protection uses machine learning and behavioral analytics to automatically flag suspicious activities like impossible travel, leaked credentials, or anonymous IP address sign-ins, then triggers risk-based conditional access policies to block or challenge the user. On the SC-900 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between Microsoft’s security services: Identity Protection focuses on risk detection and remediation, while device management belongs to Intune, privileged access is handled by Privileged Identity Management (PIM), and data classification is the domain of Microsoft Purview. A common trap is confusing Identity Protection with PIM, but remember that PIM governs who has access, whereas Identity Protection monitors how that access is used. For a quick memory tip, think of Identity Protection as the “risk radar” that spots threats and forces a response, not the tool that manages permissions or devices.
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 of the following is a primary purpose of Microsoft Entra ID Identity Protection?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Detect and remediate identity risks
Identity Protection uses signals to detect risky sign-ins and users.
Manage privileged roles
Why wrong: PIM manages privileged roles.
Classify and protect sensitive data
Why wrong: Purview classifies data.
Manage device compliance policies
Why wrong: Intune manages device compliance.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Detect and remediate identity risks
Option C is correct because Identity Protection detects and remediates identity-based risks. Option A is wrong because device management is Intune. Option B is wrong because privileged access is PIM. Option D is wrong because data classification is Purview.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Detect and remediate identity risks
Why this is correct
Identity Protection uses signals to detect risky sign-ins and users.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Manage privileged roles
Why it's wrong here
PIM manages privileged roles.
Classify and protect sensitive data
Why it's wrong here
Purview classifies data.
Manage device compliance policies
Why it's wrong here
Intune manages device compliance.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
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
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
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise SC-900 questions linked to Describe the capabilities of Microsoft Entra.
Practise SC-900 questions linked to Describe the capabilities of Microsoft security solutions.
Practise SC-900 questions linked to Describe the capabilities of Microsoft compliance solutions.
Practise SC-900 questions linked to Describe the concepts of security, compliance, and identity.
Practise SC-900 questions linked to SC-900 fundamentals.
Practise SC-900 questions linked to SC-900 scenario.
Practise SC-900 questions linked to SC-900 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
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..
The correct answer is: Detect and remediate identity risks — Option C is correct because Identity Protection detects and remediates identity-based risks. Option A is wrong because device management is Intune. Option B is wrong because privileged access is PIM. Option D is wrong because data classification is Purview.
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.
Yes — watch for: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
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 →
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.