SC-900 Describe the capabilities of Microsoft Entra Practice Question
Your organization uses Microsoft Entra ID. Which THREE authentication methods can be used for passwordless sign-in?
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to confuse second-factor methods like TOTP or SMS codes with passwordless authentication, but passwordless requires the primary authentication factor to be something you have (device or key) without needing a password at all.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Microsoft Authenticator (phone sign-in)
Microsoft Authenticator (phone sign-in) enables passwordless authentication by using a cryptographic key pair tied to the user's device. When signing in, the user approves a notification on their phone, and the Authenticator app signs the challenge with the private key, eliminating the need for a password.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Microsoft Authenticator (phone sign-in)
Why this is correct
Microsoft Authenticator enables passwordless phone sign-in by leveraging push notifications sent directly to the user's registered mobile device. Users approve the sign-in request on their phone, often secured by a biometric (fingerprint, face ID) or a device PIN. This method eliminates the need to type a password, providing a seamless and highly secure authentication experience by tying identity to a trusted device.
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SMS-based verification
Why it's wrong here
SMS-based verification is not a passwordless authentication method because it functions as a second factor, requiring a primary credential like a password first. Users still enter their password, then receive a one-time code via text message to confirm their identity. While it enhances security as multi-factor authentication, it does not replace the initial password requirement, making it unsuitable for passwordless scenarios.
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FIDO2 security keys
Why this is correct
FIDO2 security keys provide robust passwordless authentication by utilizing public-key cryptography, where a unique private key is securely stored on the hardware device. During sign-in, the key generates a cryptographic assertion that proves user identity to Microsoft Entra ID without ever exposing a shared secret like a password. This method offers strong phishing resistance and is recognized as a highly secure, hardware-backed passwordless option.
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Windows Hello for Business
Why this is correct
Windows Hello for Business offers passwordless authentication by replacing traditional passwords with strong, device-bound user credentials, such as biometrics or a PIN. When a user authenticates, their biometric data or PIN unlocks a cryptographic key or certificate stored securely on the device's Trusted Platform Module (TPM). This key then authenticates the user to Microsoft Entra ID without transmitting any shared secrets over the network, enhancing security and convenience.
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Time-based one-time password (TOTP)
Why it's wrong here
Time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) are not a passwordless authentication method; they serve as a second factor in multi-factor authentication. A TOTP code, generated by an authenticator app, is typically entered *after* a user provides their primary credential, such as a password. While providing an additional layer of security by requiring something the user has, TOTP does not eliminate the need for the initial password, distinguishing it from truly passwordless solutions.
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Microsoft Entra ID
Key term
Organization
An Organization is a top-level container in Google Cloud that represents your company or entities and serves as the root node for all your cloud resources, policies, and access control.
Key term
User
A user is any person, system, or device that interacts with an IT service, resource, or identity system, typically authenticated through credentials and authorized to perform specific actions.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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