Quick Answer
The answer is verify explicitly, as it is one of the three core components of the Zero Trust security model. Zero Trust operates on the principle that no user or device should be trusted by default, even if inside the network perimeter, requiring continuous verification of identity, device health, and context before granting access. The other two foundational components are use least privilege access, which limits permissions to only what is necessary, and assume breach, which segments networks and monitors for threats as if a compromise has already occurred. On the SC-900 exam, this question tests your understanding of the model’s guiding principles versus traditional security concepts; a common trap is confusing Single Sign-On or network perimeter security as Zero Trust components when they are not. Remember the mnemonic VLA: Verify, Least privilege, Assume breach—these three pillars define the model and will help you spot the correct choices quickly.
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 THREE of the following are components of the Zero Trust security model?
Use least privilege access
Limit user access with Just-In-Time and Just-Enough-Access.
Single sign-on (SSO)
Why wrong: SSO is a feature, not a core Zero Trust principle.
Network perimeter security
Why wrong: Zero Trust does not rely on a trusted network perimeter.
Assume breach
Minimize blast radius and segment access.
Verify explicitly
Always authenticate and authorize based on all available data points.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Use least privilege access
The three core principles of Zero Trust are: verify explicitly, use least privilege access, and assume breach. Network perimeter security is a traditional model, not Zero Trust. Single sign-on is a convenience feature, not a core principle.
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.
Use least privilege access
Why this is correct
Limit user access with Just-In-Time and Just-Enough-Access.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Single sign-on (SSO)
Why it's wrong here
SSO is a feature, not a core Zero Trust principle.
Network perimeter security
Why it's wrong here
Zero Trust does not rely on a trusted network perimeter.
Assume breach
Why this is correct
Minimize blast radius and segment access.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Verify explicitly
Why this is correct
Always authenticate and authorize based on all available data points.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
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.
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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: Use least privilege access — The three core principles of Zero Trust are: verify explicitly, use least privilege access, and assume breach. Network perimeter security is a traditional model, not Zero Trust. Single sign-on is a convenience feature, not a core principle.
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.
Authentication checks who the user is.
About these practice questions
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Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which THREE of the following are core principles of the Zero Trust security model? (Choose three.)
hardWhy A: Zero Trust principles include 'Verify explicitly', 'Least privilege', and 'Assume breach'. 'Trust but verify' is a traditional perimeter-based model. 'Single factor' contradicts explicit verification.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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