- A
Assume breach
Assume breach is a key principle of Zero Trust.
- B
Grant access based on IP address
Why wrong: Zero Trust uses identity and context, not just IP.
- C
Verify explicitly
Verify explicitly is a core principle.
- D
Rely on network perimeter security
Why wrong: Zero Trust moves beyond perimeter security.
- E
Use implicit trust for internal traffic
Why wrong: Zero Trust eliminates implicit trust.
Question 98 of 1,411
Zero Trust Principles: Assume Breach and Verify Explicitly
This SC-900 practice question tests your understanding of describe the capabilities of microsoft security solutions. 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.
Your organization wants to implement a Zero Trust security model. Which TWO principles are part of the Zero Trust model? (Select TWO.)
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
✓
Assume breach
Option A is correct because 'Assume breach' is a foundational principle of the Zero Trust model, which operates on the mindset that a breach has already occurred or will occur. This principle ensures that every access request is treated as a potential threat, minimizing the blast radius and preventing lateral movement. It drives the implementation of micro-segmentation, continuous monitoring, and just-in-time access policies.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Assume breach
Why this is correct
Assume breach is a key principle of Zero Trust.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Grant access based on IP address
Why it's wrong here
Zero Trust uses identity and context, not just IP.
- ✓
Verify explicitly
Why this is correct
Verify explicitly is a core principle.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Rely on network perimeter security
Why it's wrong here
Zero Trust moves beyond perimeter security.
- ✗
Use implicit trust for internal traffic
Why it's wrong here
Zero Trust eliminates implicit trust.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse Zero Trust with traditional network segmentation or VPN-based access, mistakenly thinking that internal traffic or IP-based rules are inherently trusted, when in fact Zero Trust requires explicit verification for every request regardless of origin.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, Zero Trust enforces 'Verify explicitly' through technologies like Azure AD Conditional Access, which evaluates signals such as user risk (from Identity Protection), device compliance (via Intune), and real-time session risk during authentication. The 'Assume breach' principle drives practices like Just-In-Time (JIT) and Just-Enough-Access (JEA) in Azure AD Privileged Identity Management (PIM), limiting standing privileges and requiring approval for elevated roles. In a real-world scenario, if an attacker compromises a user's credentials from a non-corporate device, Zero Trust policies would block access based on device compliance and location, even if the user has valid credentials.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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.
Quick reference
AAA Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port(s) | Encryption | Transport | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RADIUS | 1812 / 1813 | Password only | UDP | Network access control |
| TACACS+ | 49 | Full packet | TCP | Device administration |
| Diameter | 3868 | Full session | TCP / SCTP | Carrier / mobile networks |
| 802.1X | — | EAP-based | Layer 2 | Port-based access control |
TACACS+ encrypts the entire packet; RADIUS only encrypts the password field — a key exam distinction.
What to study next
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SC-900 question test?
Describe the capabilities of Microsoft security solutions — This question tests Describe the capabilities of Microsoft security solutions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Assume breach — Option A is correct because 'Assume breach' is a foundational principle of the Zero Trust model, which operates on the mindset that a breach has already occurred or will occur. This principle ensures that every access request is treated as a potential threat, minimizing the blast radius and preventing lateral movement. It drives the implementation of micro-segmentation, continuous monitoring, and just-in-time access policies.
What should I do if I get this SC-900 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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