Microsoft SC-300 Microsoft Identity and Access Administrator Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set 5 Q61-75
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Question 61:
Which Azure AD feature allows you to require users to perform multi-factor authentication only when risky activity is detected?
A) Risk-based Conditional Access
B) Device state policy
C) Security Defaults
D) Privileged Identity Management
Answer: A
Explanation:
Risk-based Conditional Access in Azure AD is a critical security feature that evaluates the risk associated with each sign-in attempt in real time and enforces appropriate security measures based on the detected risk level. This is primarily powered by Azure AD Identity Protection, which continuously monitors user behavior, device characteristics, IP address locations, and other contextual signals to determine whether a sign-in is suspicious. For example, if a user signs in from an unusual geographic location or from an unrecognized device, the system can flag the sign-in as medium or high risk. Once the risk is assessed, Conditional Access policies can enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA), require password resets, block access entirely, or take other remediation actions depending on organizational policy.
Device state policies in Conditional Access evaluate whether a device is compliant or domain-joined but do not dynamically enforce MFA based on risk signals. Security Defaults provide baseline protections, such as mandatory MFA for privileged accounts and general sign-in safeguards, but they lack the granularity and dynamic enforcement of risk-based controls. Privileged Identity Management manages just-in-time administrative access, approval workflows, and auditing for privileged roles, but it does not provide risk evaluation for standard user sign-ins. Implementing risk-based Conditional Access ensures a balance between security and usability, reducing friction for users who are signing in from known, low-risk devices or locations while applying stronger controls only when anomalies are detected. Organizations can customize policies to define what actions are taken at low, medium, or high risk, allowing flexibility to match risk tolerance levels and compliance requirements.
The feature supports auditing and reporting, providing visibility into risky sign-ins, remediation actions taken, and the effectiveness of enforcement policies. By leveraging risk-based Conditional Access, organizations can reduce the likelihood of account compromise, enforce zero-trust principles, and enhance operational security without unnecessarily burdening end users with MFA prompts during low-risk sign-ins. This approach is a core element of modern identity protection strategies, complementing other security measures like device compliance policies, Conditional Access app protection, and privileged access governance. Device state policies, Security Defaults, and PIM are valuable tools, but they cannot dynamically enforce MFA based on risk, making risk-based Conditional Access essential for intelligent, context-aware security. Implementing this feature ensures that users are only challenged when there is a legitimate risk, improving security posture while maintaining productivity and reducing helpdesk burdens. Risk-based Conditional Access is widely recommended by Microsoft as part of a zero-trust, identity-first security strategy.
Question 62:
Which Azure AD feature allows administrators to enforce just-in-time elevation of administrative privileges?
A) Privileged Identity Management
B) Conditional Access
C) Security Defaults
D) Azure AD Connect
Answer: A
Explanation:
Privileged Identity Management (PIM) provides just-in-time (JIT) access to administrative roles in Azure AD, ensuring that users are granted elevated privileges only when required and for a limited time. This approach aligns with the principle of least privilege, which minimizes the attack surface for administrators by reducing the window in which elevated accounts can be misused. Administrators can configure PIM to enforce approval workflows, requiring a manager or designated approver to authorize role activation, adding accountability and oversight. PIM also records detailed audit logs for each activation event, including the user, role, duration, and activities performed, supporting compliance and governance requirements. Conditional Access enforces access policies based on device compliance, location, and other contextual factors, but it does not manage temporary administrative role activation.
Security Defaults provide baseline protections such as mandatory MFA for privileged accounts but lack the temporal and approval-based control that PIM offers. Azure AD Connect synchronizes on-premises Active Directory accounts with Azure AD, providing hybrid identity management but no role governance or just-in-time elevation. By implementing PIM, organizations can reduce the risk of credential compromise, enforce accountability, and meet regulatory obligations for auditing administrative actions.
PIM also integrates with access reviews, allowing administrators to periodically evaluate whether users still require certain privileges and automatically remove unnecessary access. Temporary role assignments can be configured to expire automatically after a specified duration, ensuring that privileges are not retained longer than needed. In combination with Conditional Access and MFA, PIM provides a comprehensive framework for secure administrative access. Device state policies, Security Defaults, and Azure AD Connect complement PIM but cannot enforce temporary, monitored role elevation. By leveraging PIM, organizations ensure that administrative access is granted in a controlled, auditable manner, supporting zero-trust principles and enhancing operational security. PIM is therefore the recommended method for managing just-in-time elevation of administrative privileges in Azure AD, balancing security, usability, and compliance.
Question 63:
Which authentication method eliminates the use of passwords and relies on cryptographic keys or biometrics for user sign-in?
A) Windows Hello for Business
B) Pass-through Authentication
C) Password hash synchronization
D) Self-service password reset
Answer: A
Explanation:
Windows Hello for Business is a modern, passwordless authentication solution that replaces traditional passwords with device-bound credentials and user verification through biometrics (such as facial recognition or fingerprint) or a secure PIN tied to the device. This eliminates common vulnerabilities associated with passwords, including phishing, brute-force attacks, and credential reuse across multiple systems. Pass-through Authentication allows users to authenticate using their on-premises Active Directory passwords, so it still relies on passwords and does not provide passwordless authentication. Password hash synchronization stores a hash of the user’s password in Azure AD to enable cloud authentication, but it is also password-dependent. Self-service password reset allows users to reset forgotten passwords, improving usability, but it does not remove the need to enter a password for authentication. Windows Hello for Business integrates with Azure AD and Microsoft 365, supporting both cloud and hybrid environments, and inherently provides multi-factor authentication because authentication requires possession of the device and biometric verification. Organizations implementing Windows Hello for Business benefit from improved security, reduced helpdesk tickets related to password management, and enhanced user experience.
The device-bound credentials cannot be easily phished or reused, making this approach resistant to credential theft and attacks targeting weak or compromised passwords. In addition, Windows Hello can be combined with Conditional Access policies to enforce device compliance, location-based restrictions, and other security controls. While Pass-through Authentication and password hash synchronization support hybrid identity and cloud authentication, they are password-based solutions and do not provide phishing-resistant, passwordless authentication. Self-service password reset improves password usability but does not eliminate the inherent risks associated with passwords. Windows Hello for Business represents Microsoft’s recommended approach for secure, phishing-resistant, and user-friendly authentication. Its combination of device-binding and biometrics enables strong authentication while supporting zero-trust principles and modern enterprise security requirements. Organizations adopting this method reduce their risk of account compromise, protect sensitive resources, and improve operational efficiency while delivering a seamless user experience.
Question 64:
Which Azure AD feature allows periodic reviews of user and guest access to ensure least privilege is maintained?
A) Access Reviews
B) Security Defaults
C) Privileged Identity Management
D) Azure AD Connect
Answer: A
Explanation:
Access Reviews in Azure AD allow administrators to periodically assess user and guest access to resources, ensuring that users only have access to what they need, maintaining the principle of least privilege. Access Reviews can be scheduled on a recurring basis or triggered manually, and they can target internal users, external B2B guests, or privileged roles. Administrators or designated reviewers evaluate access, approving or removing permissions as appropriate. Security Defaults enforce baseline protections, such as MFA for privileged accounts, but do not provide a mechanism to review or remove unnecessary access. Privileged Identity Management manages just-in-time role assignments, approval workflows, and auditing for administrative accounts but does not provide general access review capabilities for standard or external users. Azure AD Connect synchronizes on-premises identities with Azure AD but does not provide access governance or review workflows. Access Reviews support automation, allowing organizations to automatically remove users who do not respond to review requests, ensuring that stale or unnecessary permissions are eliminated. Integration with Conditional Access and access logging provides a complete picture of who has access, the resources accessed, and compliance with organizational policies.
This proactive approach reduces the attack surface, minimizes the risk of over-provisioned access, and helps organizations maintain compliance with regulatory standards. By reviewing both internal and external access, administrators can ensure that guest users only retain access as long as necessary, and internal users do not accumulate permissions beyond their job requirements. Security Defaults, PIM, and Azure AD Connect provide complementary capabilities for securing accounts and managing identity, but only Access Reviews provide structured, periodic, and auditable processes for maintaining least privilege across users and guests. By implementing Access Reviews, organizations strengthen governance, reduce risks of unauthorized access, and maintain transparency and accountability over access to sensitive corporate resources. This process is essential for compliance, operational security, and overall identity governance strategy.
In addition to reducing risks, Access Reviews serve as a critical mechanism for reinforcing organizational policies around identity and access management. Organizations often face challenges when employees change roles, leave teams, or depart entirely, which can lead to lingering permissions that create potential security gaps. Without regular reviews, these excess privileges can go unnoticed, increasing the likelihood of accidental data exposure or intentional misuse. By systematically evaluating who has access to what resources, administrators can proactively detect anomalies and correct them before they lead to security incidents. This not only helps mitigate risks but also supports a culture of accountability and awareness around access management.
Furthermore, Access Reviews contribute to operational efficiency by streamlining access management processes. Manual tracking of user permissions is time-consuming, error-prone, and difficult to scale, especially in large enterprises with complex environments. By leveraging automated or semi-automated Access Reviews, organizations can ensure that reviews occur consistently, that decisions are documented, and that any changes are implemented promptly. This structured approach reduces administrative overhead while providing an auditable trail for both internal stakeholders and external regulators.
Another advantage is the ability to involve resource owners and managers in the review process. These individuals often have the best understanding of whether a user truly needs access to a given resource, making their input invaluable. Access Reviews can be configured to require periodic approval or denial of access based on predefined policies, ensuring that permissions align closely with actual business needs. Over time, these reviews also provide valuable insights into access trends, helping organizations optimize permission structures, identify bottlenecks, and refine role definitions.
Finally, in today’s threat landscape, regulatory compliance alone is not sufficient. Organizations must adopt proactive strategies to protect sensitive data and critical systems. Access Reviews empower organizations to enforce least privilege, detect potential insider threats, and maintain a continuous cycle of verification and adjustment. By integrating Access Reviews into a broader identity governance framework alongside tools such as Security Defaults, PIM, and Azure AD Connect, organizations achieve a comprehensive approach to security, compliance, and operational resilience. This holistic strategy ensures that identity and access management is not just a reactive process but a proactive, strategic capability that supports long-term business objectives.
Question 65:
Which authentication method allows users to authenticate directly against on-premises Active Directory without synchronizing passwords to Azure AD?
A) Pass-through Authentication
B) FIDO2 passwordless authentication
C) Windows Hello for Business
D) Self-service password reset
Answer: A
Explanation:
Pass-through Authentication allows users to sign in to Azure AD and Microsoft 365 using credentials stored in on-premises Active Directory without synchronizing passwords to the cloud. When a user attempts to authenticate, the authentication request is securely passed back to the on-premises AD, where the password is validated. This ensures that passwords never reside in the cloud while enabling users to access cloud-based applications with their existing credentials. FIDO2 passwordless authentication eliminates passwords entirely, using cryptographic keys or biometrics, and does not rely on on-premises AD validation. Windows Hello for Business uses device-bound credentials and biometrics for passwordless sign-in, which may integrate with Azure AD or hybrid environments but does not rely solely on on-premises password validation. Self-service password reset allows users to reset forgotten passwords but does not provide authentication without entering a password. Pass-through Authentication provides seamless single sign-on capabilities while maintaining centralized control of credentials on-premises.
Organizations benefit from reduced password duplication, minimized attack surface, and compliance with regulatory requirements by ensuring that passwords are validated only within the corporate network. This method is especially beneficial in hybrid identity environments where organizations want to maintain control over authentication while enabling cloud access. While passwordless solutions like FIDO2 or Windows Hello enhance security and usability, Pass-through Authentication is the recommended approach for leveraging existing on-premises credentials securely without cloud synchronization. Security is maintained because authentication occurs against the trusted on-premises directory, credentials are never stored in the cloud, and organizations can enforce on-premises password policies, account lockout rules, and monitoring for suspicious activity. Pass-through Authentication supports seamless cloud access for hybrid deployments while maintaining enterprise security and identity governance.
Question 66:
Which Azure AD feature provides continuous monitoring of user accounts for suspicious activity and automatically enforces risk-based remediation?
A) Azure AD Identity Protection
B) Security Defaults
C) Privileged Identity Management
D) Azure AD Connect
Answer: A
Explanation:
Azure AD Identity Protection is a critical security feature designed to continuously monitor user accounts and sign-in behavior for signs of suspicious activity, leveraging Microsoft’s threat intelligence and machine learning. It evaluates risk factors such as sign-ins from unusual geographic locations, unfamiliar IP addresses, atypical sign-in times, leaked credentials, or the use of suspicious devices. Each sign-in or account is assigned a risk level, such as low, medium, or high, and administrators can configure automated remediation actions based on these risk levels. For example, a medium-risk sign-in may require multi-factor authentication (MFA), while a high-risk sign-in could trigger a mandatory password reset or even block access until verified. Security Defaults enforce baseline security measures like mandatory MFA for privileged accounts, basic protections against common attacks, and sign-in restrictions, but they do not dynamically evaluate risk or respond automatically to anomalous activity. Privileged Identity Management focuses on managing just-in-time access for administrative roles, approval workflows, and auditing of privileged activities, but it does not monitor general user accounts or enforce risk-based responses. Azure AD Connect synchronizes on-premises Active Directory accounts with Azure AD to provide hybrid identity management but does not provide risk evaluation or automated remediation for suspicious sign-ins. Identity Protection integrates with Conditional Access policies, enabling organizations to define how the system should respond to detected risks, such as enforcing MFA only when suspicious activity is detected, blocking sign-ins, or prompting for a password reset. Audit logs capture detailed information about detected risks, the actions taken, and the users involved, supporting compliance and forensic investigations. This proactive, automated approach reduces the likelihood of account compromise while minimizing administrative overhead and user disruption. Organizations can balance security and usability by configuring policies that enforce stronger controls only for risky sign-ins while allowing low-risk sign-ins to proceed smoothly. Risk-based conditional access ensures that users experience minimal friction during normal activity but are challenged appropriately when unusual or suspicious behavior is detected. Security Defaults,
PIM, and Azure AD Connect are valuable for securing accounts, managing privileged access, and synchronizing identities, but only Identity Protection provides dynamic, real-time risk monitoring and automated remediation for standard and high-risk accounts. By leveraging Azure AD Identity Protection, organizations implement a zero-trust approach to identity management, protect corporate resources from account compromise, and maintain operational efficiency and compliance. This makes it the recommended solution for continuous monitoring and automated risk-based account protection.
Question 67:
Which method ensures that only devices enrolled in Intune and marked as compliant can access corporate applications?
A) Conditional Access with Intune compliance policies
B) Multi-factor authentication
C) Security Defaults
D) Self-service password reset
Answer: A
Explanation:
Conditional Access combined with Intune compliance policies enforces that only devices meeting organizational security requirements are granted access to corporate applications. Intune compliance policies define the criteria that devices must meet, such as operating system version, device encryption, antivirus protection, managed enrollment, and adherence to security baselines. During sign-in, Conditional Access evaluates these criteria and grants or blocks access depending on device compliance.
Multi-factor authentication strengthens user authentication by requiring additional verification factors but does not assess device compliance. Security Defaults provide baseline protections like mandatory MFA for privileged accounts and basic sign-in safeguards but cannot enforce device compliance. Self-service password reset enhances usability by allowing users to recover or reset forgotten passwords but does not provide device-based access control. By implementing Conditional Access with Intune, administrators ensure a zero-trust security model where only trusted, managed devices can access sensitive corporate resources. This approach also provides detailed reporting on device compliance, visibility into endpoint security posture, and the ability to enforce automated remediation if a device falls out of compliance. Policies can be applied selectively to specific user groups, applications, or locations, enabling scalable and flexible access management.
Organizations benefit from reduced risk of unauthorized access, malware infections, or data breaches caused by unmanaged or compromised devices. Conditional Access with Intune also supports integration with other security measures, such as risk-based Conditional Access, MFA enforcement, and session controls, providing a comprehensive approach to secure access management. Security Defaults, MFA, and self-service password reset complement this solution but cannot enforce device compliance or generate compliance reporting. By requiring device enrollment and compliance, Conditional Access with Intune ensures that only secure devices access corporate resources while enabling continuous monitoring and management of endpoint security. This approach aligns with Microsoft’s recommended best practices for modern identity protection and zero-trust access governance, maintaining security, compliance, and productivity.
Question 68:
Which feature allows external collaborators to use their own credentials while ensuring access is periodically reviewed?
A) Azure AD B2B collaboration with access reviews
B) Security Defaults
C) Privileged Identity Management
D) Azure AD Connect
Answer: A
Explanation:
Azure AD B2B collaboration enables external users to access corporate resources using their existing credentials from their home organizations. This avoids the need to create internal accounts, reducing administrative overhead and ensuring secure authentication. By combining B2B collaboration with access reviews, administrators can periodically evaluate whether external users still require access to specific resources. Access reviews can be automated or require manual approval, allowing for the removal of unnecessary permissions and ensuring that access aligns with the principle of least privilege. Security Defaults enforce baseline protections such as mandatory MFA for privileged accounts but do not provide access review capabilities for external collaborators. Privileged Identity Management governs just-in-time administrative access, approval workflows, and auditing, but it does not manage general user or guest access. Azure AD Connect synchronizes on-premises identities with Azure AD, providing hybrid identity management but not governance over external access. Implementing B2B collaboration with access reviews ensures that external users retain access only as long as necessary, reducing security risks from stale or over-provisioned accounts.
Administrators can also configure automatic expiration of access for external users, ensuring that permissions are revoked when no longer needed without manual intervention. Combined with Conditional Access, this ensures that access is only granted under secure conditions, such as compliant devices or verified locations, further reducing risk. Notifications can be sent to managers or resource owners when reviews are due, prompting timely decisions and maintaining accountability. This proactive approach not only strengthens security but also supports audit and compliance requirements by providing clear records of access decisions and remediation actions. Azure AD B2B with access reviews thus delivers a scalable, secure, and governed framework for external collaboration, protecting organizational resources while enabling seamless productivity.
Question 69:
Which authentication method allows users to sign in using on-premises credentials without storing passwords in Azure AD?
A) Pass-through Authentication
B) FIDO2 passwordless authentication
C) Windows Hello for Business
D) Self-service password reset
Answer: A
Explanation:
Pass-through Authentication enables users to authenticate to Azure AD and Microsoft 365 applications using their on-premises Active Directory credentials without synchronizing passwords to the cloud. When a sign-in occurs, the credentials are securely passed back to the on-premises AD for verification, ensuring passwords are never stored in Azure AD. This approach supports hybrid environments, maintaining centralized authentication control while enabling cloud access. FIDO2 passwordless authentication eliminates passwords entirely, using cryptographic keys or biometric verification, and does not rely on on-premises validation.
Windows Hello for Business is a passwordless authentication method that uses device-bound credentials and biometrics, which may integrate with Azure AD but does not specifically authenticate against on-premises AD passwords. Self-service password reset allows users to recover or reset forgotten passwords but does not provide authentication using on-premises credentials without synchronization. Pass-through Authentication ensures secure, seamless sign-in while enforcing corporate password policies, account lockout rules, and monitoring for suspicious activity.
Pass-through Authentication is particularly valuable for organizations operating in hybrid environments where users need to access both on-premises and cloud resources. By validating credentials directly against the on-premises Active Directory, organizations can maintain centralized control over authentication, ensuring that all security policies, password complexity rules, and account lockout policies are enforced consistently. This approach reduces the risk associated with password duplication, as user credentials are never stored in the cloud, minimizing exposure to potential breaches in cloud environments.
From a security perspective, Pass-through Authentication supports zero-trust principles by ensuring that authentication is always performed in a controlled, trusted environment. Even when users attempt to access cloud applications, the verification occurs against the on-premises identity store, preventing unauthorized access from compromised cloud systems. This model limits the potential attack surface and ensures that organizational credentials remain protected under enterprise security policies.
While modern passwordless technologies such as FIDO2 security keys and Windows Hello for Business enhance user convenience and security, they do not replace the need for hybrid authentication solutions in organizations that still rely on on-premises Active Directory. Pass-through Authentication complements these methods by providing a secure bridge between on-premises and cloud authentication, allowing users to access Azure AD-integrated applications seamlessly without requiring duplicate credentials or additional synchronization steps.
Additionally, Pass-through Authentication integrates well with Conditional Access policies, enabling organizations to enforce security measures such as multi-factor authentication or device compliance even when authentication occurs on-premises. It ensures that organizations retain full control over sign-in events, while supporting operational efficiency and user productivity. By leveraging Pass-through Authentication, IT teams can reduce administrative overhead, enforce consistent security policies, and maintain a secure authentication flow across hybrid environments.
Overall, Pass-through Authentication provides a secure, efficient, and compliant solution for hybrid enterprise authentication, balancing the need for usability with robust security controls. It minimizes exposure to credential theft, aligns with zero-trust strategies, and supports seamless access for users across both on-premises and cloud resources.
Question 70:
Which Conditional Access control ensures access only from compliant or domain-joined devices?
A) Device state policy
B) Session control
C) Multi-factor authentication
D) Risk-based sign-in
Answer: A
Explanation:
Device state policies in Conditional Access enforce access restrictions based on whether devices are compliant with organizational policies or are domain-joined. Compliance can include device encryption, OS version, antivirus status, Intune enrollment, and adherence to security baselines. Session control governs session duration and activity monitoring but does not evaluate device compliance. Multi-factor authentication strengthens user verification but does not enforce device-based access restrictions. Risk-based sign-in evaluates the likelihood of a compromised account but does not assess device compliance or domain membership.
Device state policies ensure that only secure, managed devices can access corporate applications, reducing the risk of data leakage, malware infections, or unauthorized access. Integration with Intune allows administrators to track device compliance, enforce automated remediation, and generate compliance reports for auditing purposes. Policies can target specific user groups, applications, or locations, providing scalable enforcement while maintaining user productivity.
Device state policies play a critical role in a layered security strategy by ensuring that only trusted endpoints can access corporate resources. While multi-factor authentication (MFA) verifies user identity and Conditional Access app protection controls how applications and data are used, these measures alone do not verify the security posture of the devices connecting to the network. Device state policies fill this gap by evaluating compliance status and domain membership, providing a mechanism to enforce endpoint trust as part of an organization’s zero-trust security framework.
By integrating device state policies with Conditional Access, organizations can define access rules that require devices to meet specific compliance criteria before granting access. Compliance checks may include verifying that the operating system is up to date, full-disk encryption is enabled, antivirus and endpoint protection are active, and that the device is enrolled in a mobile device management (MDM) system like Microsoft Intune. Devices that fail to meet these requirements can be blocked from accessing resources or can be forced to undergo additional verification steps, such as MFA or remediation prompts. This ensures that only secure and managed devices interact with sensitive corporate data, reducing the attack surface and preventing unauthorized or insecure devices from introducing risk.
Device state policies also complement risk-based sign-in policies by providing another layer of context for access decisions. Risk-based sign-in evaluates the likelihood of a compromised account based on user behavior, location, and sign-in patterns, while device state policies validate the trustworthiness of the endpoint itself. Together, these controls provide a comprehensive access decision framework, where both user and device signals are considered, ensuring stronger security for cloud and on-premises resources.
Implementing device state policies also supports operational efficiency and compliance. Automated enforcement reduces the need for manual monitoring, ensures consistent application of security policies, and provides audit logs for compliance reporting. Organizations can also integrate these policies with Conditional Access to enforce dynamic, context-aware access, enabling secure access without unnecessary disruption to legitimate users. This approach aligns with Microsoft’s best practices for access governance and zero-trust security, which advocate verifying every access attempt based on multiple factors, including user identity, device health, and session risk.
Ultimately, device state policies allow organizations to enforce a robust, scalable, and automated mechanism for controlling access based on endpoint trust. By combining these policies with MFA, Conditional Access, and risk-based sign-in, administrators can protect sensitive resources, maintain regulatory compliance, and reduce exposure to threats introduced by unmanaged or non-compliant devices. This ensures that security is maintained at the endpoint level, strengthening the organization’s overall security posture while enabling secure, seamless access for compliant users and devices.
Question 71:
Which Azure AD feature allows administrators to require external users to confirm their continued need for access on a periodic basis?
A) Access Reviews
B) Security Defaults
C) Privileged Identity Management
D) Azure AD Connect
Answer: A
Explanation:
Access Reviews in Azure AD provide a structured way for administrators to periodically evaluate the necessity of both internal and external users’ access to resources. For external users, this ensures that their permissions are still justified and that the organization maintains a principle of least privilege. Access Reviews can be configured to run on a recurring schedule, such as every 30, 60, or 90 days, and notifications can be sent to reviewers to take action on approving or removing access.
Automation can be implemented so that users who fail to respond within a designated period automatically lose access, reducing the risk of stale accounts lingering with unnecessary permissions. Security Defaults enforce baseline security controls like mandatory multi-factor authentication and sign-in protection but do not provide periodic access evaluation or governance for external users. Privileged Identity Management governs temporary elevated access for administrators and includes approval workflows and auditing, but it does not apply to general external or internal user access reviews. Azure AD Connect synchronizes on-premises identities to Azure AD but does not manage ongoing access governance. Access Reviews allow organizations to maintain compliance with regulatory standards, audit requirements, and internal security policies by ensuring that user access is continuously evaluated and revoked if unnecessary. Integration with Conditional Access policies can provide additional security, ensuring that any access granted during the review period is still compliant with organizational device, location, and risk policies. Detailed audit logs capture reviewer decisions, user responses, and actions taken, supporting accountability and transparency. This proactive approach reduces the potential attack surface, prevents over-provisioned access, and mitigates risks associated with compromised or unused accounts. By requiring external users to confirm their continued need for access, organizations can maintain secure collaboration while ensuring compliance and operational governance. While Security Defaults, PIM, and Azure AD Connect provide essential security and identity management functions, only Access Reviews deliver structured, recurring evaluation and reporting for external and internal access governance. Using Access Reviews strengthens identity governance, improves visibility, and ensures that access aligns with business and security objectives.
Question 72:
Which feature in Azure AD allows automatic blocking of sign-ins from risky locations or devices?
A) Azure AD Identity Protection
B) Security Defaults
C) Privileged Identity Management
D) Conditional Access device state policies
Answer: A
Explanation:
Azure AD Identity Protection continuously monitors sign-ins and evaluates them for risk, including anomalous sign-ins from unusual locations or devices that have not been seen before. The system uses Microsoft’s threat intelligence and machine learning to assign risk scores to user accounts and sign-in events. Based on these risk assessments, administrators can configure policies to automatically block access or require remediation actions, such as multi-factor authentication or password resets. Security Defaults enforce baseline security protections such as mandatory MFA for privileged accounts, but they do not dynamically evaluate risk or respond to unusual sign-in activity from risky locations. Privileged Identity Management governs temporary elevation of administrative roles, including just-in-time access and approvals, but it does not automatically block risky sign-ins for standard users. Conditional Access device state policies enforce access restrictions based on device compliance or domain membership, but they do not dynamically respond to risk signals.
By implementing Identity Protection, organizations gain the ability to proactively mitigate threats by preventing high-risk sign-ins from accessing corporate resources. Detailed logs and reporting capture detected risks, automated responses, and user activity, supporting compliance and security monitoring. Policies can be tailored to enforce different actions for low, medium, or high-risk sign-ins, balancing security and usability. Integration with Conditional Access enables dynamic enforcement, so that risk detection triggers appropriate controls such as MFA, limited access, or blocking sign-ins entirely. This ensures that accounts remain secure even if credentials are compromised or malicious activity is detected. Without Identity Protection, organizations would need to rely on static security controls or manual intervention, which may be slow or insufficient to address real-time threats. Identity Protection strengthens identity security, reduces exposure to credential theft, phishing, and other attacks, and aligns with zero-trust principles. It ensures that only legitimate sign-ins from secure devices and locations are granted access, protecting sensitive resources while maintaining operational efficiency.
Question 73:
Which authentication method allows users to sign in using a security key without entering a password?
A) FIDO2 passwordless authentication
B) Pass-through Authentication
C) Windows Hello for Business
D) Self-service password reset
Answer: A
Explanation:
FIDO2 passwordless authentication enables users to sign in using a physical or virtual security key, eliminating the need to enter a password. The authentication process typically combines possession of the security key with biometric verification or a PIN tied to the key, providing strong, phishing-resistant credentials. Pass-through Authentication validates credentials against on-premises Active Directory using passwords, so it is not passwordless. Windows Hello for Business uses device-bound credentials and biometrics, which is passwordless on registered devices but differs from FIDO2 in that it is tied to a specific device rather than a portable security key. Self-service password reset allows users to recover forgotten passwords but does not provide passwordless authentication. FIDO2 keys leverage public-key cryptography, where a private key remains secure on the user’s device, and the public key is used for authentication, preventing credentials from being stolen or reused across accounts. Integration with Azure AD ensures compatibility with cloud applications,
Conditional Access policies, and hybrid environments. Organizations implementing FIDO2 enhance security by reducing susceptibility to phishing, brute-force attacks, and credential theft, while also improving usability by removing the need to remember complex passwords. Policies can be configured to require MFA only in high-risk scenarios, or to integrate with device compliance and location controls for additional security. Audit logs capture authentication events and security key usage, supporting compliance and monitoring requirements. FIDO2 passwordless authentication is recommended by Microsoft for securing enterprise access while providing a seamless user experience. Pass-through Authentication, Windows Hello for Business, and self-service password reset complement FIDO2 by supporting hybrid environments, passwordless device-bound authentication, or password management, but only FIDO2 offers passwordless access with portable keys.
Question 74:
Which Conditional Access policy can restrict access based on user sign-in risk levels?
A) Risk-based Conditional Access
B) Device state policy
C) Session control
D) Security Defaults
Answer: A
Explanation:
Risk-based Conditional Access evaluates the risk level of a sign-in and enforces appropriate access controls based on that risk. Risk scores are derived from Azure AD Identity Protection, which monitors unusual sign-in behavior, unfamiliar locations, compromised credentials, or anomalous device usage. Organizations can configure Conditional Access policies to require additional verification, such as multi-factor authentication, block access, or require password changes depending on low, medium, or high-risk assessments. Device state policies enforce access based on device compliance or domain membership but do not dynamically evaluate sign-in risk. Session controls manage session duration, sign-in persistence, and monitoring, but do not respond to risk signals. Security Defaults enforce baseline security such as MFA for privileged accounts, but cannot apply dynamic controls based on risk levels.
Risk-based Conditional Access allows organizations to balance security and usability by applying stronger controls only when suspicious activity is detected, reducing unnecessary friction for legitimate users. Policies can be targeted to specific applications, groups, or locations, providing granular enforcement. Audit logs capture risk events, actions taken, and user details, supporting compliance and forensic review. Integration with device compliance, MFA, and Conditional Access app protection strengthens zero-trust security. By applying risk-based Conditional Access, organizations proactively protect accounts from compromise while maintaining operational efficiency, ensuring only low-risk sign-ins proceed without additional verification. Other methods like device state policies, session control, and Security Defaults complement risk-based policies but cannot dynamically enforce authentication based on real-time risk assessment. This makes risk-based Conditional Access essential for modern identity protection and enterprise security governance.
Question 75:
Which Azure AD feature helps secure privileged accounts with just-in-time access, approvals, and auditing?
A) Privileged Identity Management
B) Security Defaults
C) Azure AD Identity Protection
D) Azure AD Connect
Answer: A
Explanation:
Privileged Identity Management (PIM) secures privileged accounts in Azure AD by providing just-in-time access, approval workflows, and auditing of administrative roles. JIT access ensures users are granted elevated permissions only when needed and for a limited time, reducing the risk of misuse or compromise. Approval workflows require designated approvers or automated rules before a role is activated, adding accountability. All role activations and activities are logged for auditing and compliance, including who activated the role, duration, and actions performed during the session. Security Defaults provide baseline security protections, including mandatory multi-factor authentication for privileged accounts, but lack granular control over temporary access and approvals. Azure AD Identity Protection monitors risky sign-ins and enforces automated remediation, but it is not designed for managing administrative role activation or just-in-time access. Azure AD Connect synchronizes on-premises directories to Azure AD but does not provide privileged role governance or auditing.
Furthermore, PIM allows administrators to set up approval workflows for role activation, requiring managerial or security team approval before elevated access is granted. Each activation is logged, providing detailed audit trails that include who requested access, when it was approved, and what actions were performed during the session. Time-bound assignments ensure that privileges automatically expire, reducing the risk of standing access that could be exploited by malicious actors. By combining these features with conditional access and MFA, organizations can implement a holistic privileged access strategy, aligning with best practices for identity governance and zero-trust security while minimizing operational risk and enhancing compliance oversight.