Quick Answer
The answer is Verify explicitly and Least privilege. These two components are correct because the Zero Trust security model operates on the principle of never trusting any access request by default; Verify explicitly means every authentication attempt is treated as a potential breach and must be continuously validated, while Least privilege ensures users and devices receive only the minimum permissions necessary to perform their tasks, drastically reducing the attack surface. On the Microsoft SC-900 exam, this question tests your understanding of the core Zero Trust pillars versus traditional security concepts—common traps include confusing perimeter-based defenses or single-factor controls like password complexity with Zero Trust principles. Remember that Zero Trust assumes breach and trusts nothing automatically, so think of the mnemonic "V.L.P." for Verify, Least privilege, and the often-overlooked third pillar, Assume breach, to keep the core components straight.
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 components are part of the 'Zero Trust' security model? (Choose two.)
Least privilege
Limit access to only what is needed.
VPN access
Why wrong: VPNs are not a core Zero Trust component.
Password complexity
Why wrong: Password complexity is a hygiene practice, not a Zero Trust pillar.
Verify explicitly
Always authenticate and authorize based on all available data points.
Perimeter-based security
Why wrong: Zero Trust does not rely on perimeter security.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Least privilege
Correct answers are B and C: Verify explicitly assumes every access request is a potential threat, and Least privilege ensures users have only the minimum access needed. Option A is incorrect because perimeter security is a traditional model. Option D is incorrect because password complexity is a single factor. Option E is incorrect because VPNs are network access methods, not Zero Trust principles.
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.
Least privilege
Why this is correct
Limit access to only what is needed.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
VPN access
Why it's wrong here
VPNs are not a core Zero Trust component.
Password complexity
Why it's wrong here
Password complexity is a hygiene practice, not a Zero Trust pillar.
Verify explicitly
Why this is correct
Always authenticate and authorize based on all available data points.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Perimeter-based security
Why it's wrong here
Zero Trust does not rely on perimeter security.
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: Least privilege — Correct answers are B and C: Verify explicitly assumes every access request is a potential threat, and Least privilege ensures users have only the minimum access needed. Option A is incorrect because perimeter security is a traditional model. Option D is incorrect because password complexity is a single factor. Option E is incorrect because VPNs are network access methods, not Zero Trust principles.
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.
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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.
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