Quick Answer
The answer is least privilege access and verify explicitly, as these are two of the three core principles of Zero Trust. The Zero Trust model operates on the premise of "never trust, always verify," meaning every access request must be authenticated and authorized regardless of origin, which is the verify explicitly principle. Least privilege access ensures users and devices are granted only the minimum permissions needed to perform their tasks, limiting potential damage from a breach. On the SC-900 exam, this question tests your understanding that Zero Trust rejects implicit trust and perimeter-based security; a common trap is selecting "implicit trust" or "perimeter-based security," which are explicitly excluded. The third principle, assume breach, is often paired with these two in exam scenarios. Memory tip: think of the three VLA principles—Verify explicitly, Least privilege, Assume breach—to recall the core pillars of Zero Trust.
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.
A company wants to implement a Zero Trust security model. Which TWO of the following are core principles of Zero Trust?
Trust based on network location
Why wrong: Zero Trust does not trust any location by default.
Verify explicitly
One of the three core principles of Zero Trust.
Perimeter-based security
Why wrong: Zero Trust moves beyond perimeter security.
Implicit trust for internal users
Why wrong: Zero Trust assumes no implicit trust.
Least privilege access
A core principle of Zero Trust.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Verify explicitly
Options B and D are correct. Zero Trust principles are: verify explicitly (B), use least privilege access (D), and assume breach. Option A is incorrect because implicit trust is the opposite of Zero Trust. Option C is incorrect because perimeter-based security is not a Zero Trust principle. Option E is incorrect because Zero Trust does not rely on network location for trust.
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.
Trust based on network location
Why it's wrong here
Zero Trust does not trust any location by default.
Verify explicitly
Why this is correct
One of the three core principles of Zero Trust.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Perimeter-based security
Why it's wrong here
Zero Trust moves beyond perimeter security.
Implicit trust for internal users
Why it's wrong here
Zero Trust assumes no implicit trust.
Least privilege access
Why this is correct
A core principle of Zero Trust.
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: Verify explicitly — Options B and D are correct. Zero Trust principles are: verify explicitly (B), use least privilege access (D), and assume breach. Option A is incorrect because implicit trust is the opposite of Zero Trust. Option C is incorrect because perimeter-based security is not a Zero Trust principle. Option E is incorrect because Zero Trust does not rely on network location for trust.
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. Your company is implementing a zero-trust security model. Which principle requires verifying every access request as though it originates from an untrusted network, even if the request comes from within the corporate network?
mediumWhy D: Option C is correct because 'Assume breach' is the zero-trust principle that treats every access request as potentially compromised. Option A is incorrect because 'Explicit verification' is a different principle. Option B is incorrect because 'Least privilege' limits access rights. Option D is incorrect because 'Trust but verify' is not a zero-trust principle.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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