Microsoft SC-300 Microsoft Identity and Access Administrator Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set 7 Q91-105
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Question 91:
Which Azure AD feature allows administrators to require re-verification of guest access to resources periodically?
A) Access Reviews
B) Security Defaults
C) Privileged Identity Management
D) Azure AD Connect
Answer: A
Explanation:
Access Reviews in Azure AD provide organizations with the ability to periodically review access to resources for both internal and external users, including guests. This feature ensures that users maintain only the access necessary for their current roles or collaboration requirements, adhering to the principle of least privilege. For guest users, Access Reviews send notifications prompting either self-attestation or review by designated administrators. If users fail to respond or their access is deemed unnecessary, it can be automatically removed, reducing security risks associated with stale or over-provisioned accounts. Security Defaults enforce baseline protections like mandatory MFA for privileged accounts but do not provide structured access review mechanisms. Privileged Identity Management focuses on temporary elevation and auditing of administrative roles but does not manage general or guest user access.
Azure AD Connect synchronizes on-premises accounts to Azure AD but does not facilitate access governance or reviews. Access Reviews can be scheduled at regular intervals, such as monthly or quarterly, and can target specific applications, groups, or individual users. By integrating with Conditional Access, organizations can enforce additional policies, such as MFA or device compliance, for users whose access is being reviewed. Audit logs capture reviewer decisions, automated removals, and user responses, supporting compliance and reporting requirements.
This structured review process ensures that organizations maintain secure collaboration, reduce the risk of unauthorized access, and align with regulatory standards. While Security Defaults, PIM, and Azure AD Connect provide important identity and access management capabilities, only Access Reviews allow recurring, automated governance of user and guest access to maintain least privilege and enforce accountability. Organizations leveraging Access Reviews benefit from improved visibility, risk reduction, and enhanced security posture while maintaining operational efficiency in collaborative environments.
Question 92:
Which authentication method eliminates passwords by using device-bound credentials and biometrics?
A) Windows Hello for Business
B) FIDO2 security keys
C) Pass-through Authentication
D) Self-service password reset
Answer: A
Explanation:
Windows Hello for Business provides a passwordless authentication experience by combining device-bound credentials with biometric verification, such as facial recognition or fingerprint scanning, or a secure PIN associated with the device. This approach ensures that even if user credentials are compromised elsewhere, access cannot occur without the trusted device and biometric verification.
FIDO2 security keys provide a passwordless experience as well, but they are portable keys rather than being tied to a specific device. Pass-through Authentication allows users to sign in using on-premises passwords, making it password-dependent rather than passwordless. Self-service password reset enables recovery of forgotten passwords but does not eliminate the use of passwords. Windows Hello for Business strengthens security by mitigating phishing, credential theft, and brute-force attacks while improving usability for end users. Integration with Azure AD and Conditional Access ensures that device compliance, location, and risk factors are considered during authentication.
Logging and monitoring of device authentication events provide administrators with visibility into sign-in activity and help support compliance requirements. Unlike FIDO2, which is portable and can be used across devices, Windows Hello for Business is ideal for scenarios where device enrollment is controlled, allowing organizations to leverage hybrid and cloud environments securely. Pass-through Authentication and self-service password reset complement Windows Hello by enabling hybrid authentication and password recovery solutions, but only Windows Hello for Business delivers phishing-resistant, passwordless access tied to a specific managed device. By implementing Windows Hello for Business, organizations reduce administrative overhead, improve security posture, and provide a seamless sign-in experience aligned with zero-trust principles.
Question 93:
Which Conditional Access control evaluates device compliance and domain membership before granting access?
A) Device state policy
B) Session control
C) Risk-based Conditional Access
D) Multi-factor authentication
Answer: A
Explanation:
Device state policies in Conditional Access enforce access restrictions based on device compliance with organizational policies and domain membership. Compliance can include encryption, antivirus protection, operating system version, Intune enrollment, and adherence to security baselines. Session control manages session duration, monitoring, and activity but does not enforce device compliance. Risk-based Conditional Access evaluates sign-in risk levels but does not directly evaluate device state. Multi-factor authentication strengthens authentication verification but does not restrict access based on device compliance. By enforcing device state policies, organizations ensure that only trusted and managed devices can access sensitive resources, reducing the risk of data breaches or unauthorized access. Integration with Intune allows administrators to automatically remediate non-compliant devices and track compliance across the environment.
Conditional Access policies can be targeted at specific applications, user groups, or locations, enabling granular enforcement without disrupting legitimate access. Detailed audit logs capture policy enforcement and device compliance status, supporting security monitoring and regulatory compliance. Device state policies complement other security controls like session management, MFA, and risk-based access, providing a layered defense. While MFA, risk-based Conditional Access, and session controls enhance overall security, device state policies specifically ensure that endpoints meet organizational security standards before granting access. This approach aligns with zero-trust principles by continuously validating device trust and protecting corporate resources from unmanaged or compromised devices. Implementing device state policies ensures endpoint security, operational compliance, and reduces attack surfaces in hybrid and cloud environments.
Question 94:
Which Azure AD feature provides real-time risk evaluation of user sign-ins and automated remediation actions?
A) Azure AD Identity Protection
B) Security Defaults
C) Privileged Identity Management
D) Azure AD Connect
Answer: A
Explanation:
Azure AD Identity Protection continuously evaluates user accounts and sign-in activity to detect potential security risks. It leverages machine learning, behavioral analytics, and Microsoft threat intelligence to assign risk levels such as low, medium, or high to sign-ins and accounts. Based on these risk assessments, administrators can configure automated remediation actions, including requiring multi-factor authentication, blocking access, or enforcing password resets. Security Defaults provide baseline protections such as mandatory MFA for privileged accounts but do not offer dynamic risk evaluation or automated response. Privileged Identity Management manages temporary administrative access, approvals, and auditing, but it does not monitor general user sign-ins for risk. Azure AD Connect synchronizes on-premises accounts to Azure AD but does not perform risk assessment or automated remediation. Integration with Conditional Access allows organizations to enforce policies that respond dynamically to detected risks, ensuring that suspicious sign-ins are appropriately challenged or blocked while minimizing friction for low-risk users. Detailed audit logs track risk detection, automated actions, and user responses, supporting compliance and operational oversight. Automated remediation reduces administrative overhead and mitigates security threats proactively, maintaining a secure environment even when credentials are compromised. Organizations can tailor policies to specific risk levels, balancing security with usability. Azure AD Identity Protection aligns with zero-trust principles by continuously verifying user identity, detecting threats in real time, and taking automated corrective action. While Security Defaults, PIM, and Azure AD Connect complement identity security, only Identity Protection provides continuous, automated, risk-based sign-in monitoring and remediation, making it essential for modern identity protection and enterprise security governance.
Question 95:
Which authentication method enables hybrid users to authenticate to Azure AD without storing passwords in the cloud?
A) Pass-through Authentication
B) FIDO2 passwordless authentication
C) Windows Hello for Business
D) Self-service password reset
Answer: A
Explanation:
Pass-through Authentication (PTA) allows users in hybrid environments to authenticate against on-premises Active Directory without replicating passwords to Azure AD. When a sign-in occurs, credentials are securely passed to the on-premises environment for verification, keeping passwords off the cloud and reducing exposure to cloud-based threats. FIDO2 passwordless authentication eliminates passwords entirely but relies on cryptographic keys or biometrics rather than on-premises credential verification. Windows Hello for Business offers device-bound, passwordless authentication but does not authenticate against on-premises passwords directly. Self-service password reset improves usability for forgotten passwords but is unrelated to passwordless or on-premises verification.
PTA supports centralized password policies, lockout rules, and auditing, ensuring consistent enforcement across cloud and on-premises systems. Organizations benefit from reduced attack surface and compliance with corporate security policies. Integration with Conditional Access and MFA enhances security by evaluating device compliance, location, and risk signals during authentication. Logging and monitoring provide visibility into authentication events, supporting operational oversight and regulatory reporting. PTA addresses hybrid identity scenarios specifically, enabling secure, seamless access to cloud resources while keeping credentials safely on-premises.
Question 96:
Which Conditional Access policy allows automated blocking or additional verification based on detected sign-in risk?
A) Risk-based Conditional Access
B) Device state policy
C) Session control
D) Security Defaults
Answer: A
Explanation:
Risk-based Conditional Access evaluates sign-ins in real time using Azure AD Identity Protection, assigning risk levels such as low, medium, or high. Based on these assessments, policies can automatically block access or require additional verification like multi-factor authentication or password reset. Device state policies enforce access restrictions based on device compliance or domain membership but do not evaluate sign-in risk. Session controls manage the duration, monitoring, and persistence of active sessions but do not respond to sign-in risk. Security Defaults provide baseline protections such as mandatory MFA for privileged accounts but lack real-time, dynamic risk evaluation.
Risk-based Conditional Access allows organizations to balance security and usability by only enforcing stronger controls for high-risk sign-ins while allowing low-risk users to continue without friction. Integration with Conditional Access policies ensures that access decisions consider device compliance, location, and other contextual signals. Audit logs capture detected risk events, user actions, and policy enforcement, supporting compliance and operational oversight. This approach mitigates threats proactively, reduces the likelihood of account compromise, and supports zero-trust security principles. Unlike Security Defaults, device state policies, or session controls, risk-based Conditional Access dynamically evaluates behavior and applies automated remediation actions based on actual threats. This ensures that accounts are protected in real time while maintaining productivity for legitimate users, making it an essential component of modern identity security strategies.
Question 97:
Which Azure AD feature allows temporary elevation of administrative privileges with approval workflows and expiration?
A) Privileged Identity Management
B) Security Defaults
C) Azure AD Connect
D) Azure AD Identity Protection
Answer: A
Explanation:
Privileged Identity Management (PIM) secures administrative roles by providing just-in-time access with automatic expiration and approval workflows. Users gain elevated privileges only when required and for a defined period. Approval workflows can involve managers or automated rules, ensuring accountability. Security Defaults provide baseline protections like mandatory MFA but do not manage temporary role elevation or approvals. Azure AD Connect synchronizes on-premises identities but does not handle privileged role governance. Azure AD Identity Protection evaluates sign-in risk and can enforce automated remediation, but it does not provide administrative role lifecycle management. PIM logs all role activations, start and end times, and actions performed during the elevated session, supporting auditing and compliance requirements. It integrates with access reviews, ensuring ongoing validation of the need for elevated access, and helps maintain the principle of least privilege.
By limiting exposure and enforcing temporary, approved access, PIM reduces the risk of misuse or compromise of administrative accounts. Combined with Conditional Access and MFA, it strengthens organizational security and operational governance. While Security Defaults, Azure AD Connect, and Identity Protection complement privileged access management, only PIM provides comprehensive temporary elevation, approval workflows, and auditing for privileged roles, making it essential for organizations managing sensitive administrative accounts.
Question 98:
Which authentication method uses cryptographic keys and eliminates passwords for user sign-in?
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 secure, password-free sign-ins using cryptographic keys stored on devices or security keys. Authentication relies on proving possession of the key, often combined with biometric verification or a PIN tied to the key, making it phishing-resistant and secure against credential theft. Pass-through Authentication relies on passwords validated against on-premises Active Directory, so it is password-dependent. Windows Hello for Business provides passwordless sign-in using device-bound credentials and biometrics but differs from FIDO2 in portability, as Windows Hello is tied to a specific device. Self-service password reset allows password recovery but does not eliminate passwords.
FIDO2 improves security posture by removing passwords, reducing attack surfaces, and providing a seamless user experience. Integration with Conditional Access ensures risk-based enforcement, MFA, and device compliance during authentication. Logging and monitoring support auditing and compliance reporting. Organizations adopting FIDO2 reduce password-related helpdesk costs, mitigate phishing, and strengthen zero-trust identity frameworks. FIDO2 keys can be used across multiple devices and support hybrid or cloud environments, providing portability, unlike device-bound methods like Windows Hello. This makes FIDO2 essential for secure, modern, passwordless authentication strategies, while PTA, Windows Hello, and self-service password reset address complementary authentication or recovery needs.
Question 99:
Which Conditional Access control monitors user sessions and can restrict session duration for cloud applications?
A) Session control
B) Device state policy
C) Multi-factor authentication
D) Risk-based Conditional Access
Answer: A
Explanation:
Session control in Azure AD Conditional Access is a critical security feature that actively manages user behavior after authentication, providing a layer of protection that complements other access controls. By limiting session duration, monitoring activity, and enforcing reauthentication after periods of inactivity, session controls mitigate risks associated with stolen credentials, unattended devices, and shared workstations. These measures ensure that even if an account is compromised after login, attackers have only a limited window of opportunity to access sensitive resources, reducing the potential impact of a security breach.
Unlike device state policies, which enforce endpoint compliance or domain membership before access is granted, session controls operate continuously during the session. This distinction is crucial because a device that was compliant at login may become compromised, or a user may leave a session unattended, creating an opportunity for unauthorized access. Similarly, multi-factor authentication verifies identity at the time of sign-in but does not monitor subsequent activity or enforce session time limits. Risk-based Conditional Access evaluates the likelihood of compromise based on user behavior and may trigger MFA or block sign-ins, but it does not actively govern session duration or interaction with applications.
By combining session controls with Conditional Access, MFA, and device compliance policies, organizations implement a layered security approach that aligns with zero-trust principles. Continuous evaluation of session activity ensures that only verified and compliant users maintain access, while potentially risky sessions are automatically restricted or terminated. Organizations can configure session controls to enforce time-based sign-out, prevent persistent cookies, and limit the duration of access to high-risk applications. Integration with Microsoft Cloud App Security extends session management to cloud applications, allowing administrators to apply granular controls such as blocking downloads, restricting copy-paste functionality, or monitoring real-time user behavior.
In addition to enhancing security, session controls provide critical auditing and compliance capabilities. All session activity, including policy enforcement, reauthentication events, and session terminations, is recorded in audit logs. These logs can be used to demonstrate compliance with internal policies, regulatory requirements such as GDPR, HIPAA, or ISO standards, and industry best practices. Organizations gain visibility into user activity patterns, enabling the detection of anomalies, unusual behavior, or potential insider threats.
Moreover, session controls support operational efficiency and user productivity by ensuring that security measures are applied dynamically and contextually. Legitimate users on compliant devices may enjoy seamless access, while risky sessions or unmanaged endpoints are restricted, maintaining security without unnecessary disruption. This approach strikes a balance between usability and protection, making session controls a critical component of modern access governance.
Ultimately, session controls extend the capabilities of Conditional Access beyond the initial authentication event, actively managing post-sign-in behavior to protect sensitive cloud resources, reduce attack surfaces, and enforce continuous compliance. By integrating session controls with MFA, device state policies, and risk-based assessments, organizations implement a comprehensive, zero-trust access strategy that safeguards data, ensures regulatory adherence, and supports secure, productive collaboration across cloud environments.
Question 100:
Which Azure AD feature allows guest users to use their own credentials for secure collaboration?
A) Azure AD B2B collaboration
B) Security Defaults
C) Privileged Identity Management
D) Azure AD Connect
Answer: A
Explanation:
Azure AD B2B collaboration enables external users to access organizational resources using credentials from their home organization. This reduces administrative overhead and ensures secure authentication. Security Defaults enforce baseline protections but do not manage external access. Privileged Identity Management provides temporary elevation and auditing for administrative roles but is unrelated to guest access. Azure AD Connect synchronizes on-premises accounts but does not facilitate external authentication. B2B collaboration integrates with Conditional Access policies, MFA, and device compliance, ensuring that external users adhere to organizational security requirements. Access Reviews can periodically validate guest access, removing unnecessary permissions.
Audit logs play a crucial role in managing and monitoring guest activity within an organization’s environment, particularly in scenarios involving Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) B2B collaboration. By tracking every action taken by external users, including sign-ins, resource access, application usage, and policy enforcement, audit logs provide comprehensive visibility into guest behavior. This visibility is essential for compliance, regulatory reporting, and risk management, allowing organizations to demonstrate accountability and control over both internal and external access to corporate resources. Audit logs also support forensic investigations when suspicious or unauthorized activity is detected, enabling security teams to trace the sequence of actions and identify potential threats.
B2B collaboration allows external users, such as partners, contractors, or suppliers, to access corporate applications and data using their own credentials from their home organization. This approach eliminates the need to create internal accounts for every external user, reducing administrative overhead, mitigating account sprawl, and minimizing the risks associated with managing multiple credentials. By allowing guests to authenticate with their own identity providers, organizations maintain secure collaboration while respecting privacy and reducing exposure to credential-based attacks. This federated authentication approach ensures that the security policies of the guest’s organization, such as MFA or conditional access, are applied in conjunction with the host organization’s controls, creating a layered defense model.
B2B collaboration aligns closely with zero-trust principles. Zero trust dictates that no user, internal or external, should be implicitly trusted, and that continuous verification is required for all access requests. By providing controlled, monitored, and auditable access to external users, B2B reduces the organization’s attack surface while enabling productivity. Guests are granted only the permissions necessary for their tasks, and their activity is continuously monitored and logged, ensuring that any deviation from expected behavior can be detected and mitigated in real time.
While Security Defaults, Privileged Identity Management (PIM), and Azure AD Connect provide foundational security capabilities—such as baseline protections, temporary privileged access, and directory synchronization—they do not inherently offer seamless, secure authentication for external users. Only Azure AD B2B provides a framework that combines federated authentication, audit logging, and policy enforcement for guests, enabling organizations to extend their applications and data securely beyond internal boundaries.
By leveraging B2B collaboration along with robust audit logging, organizations can balance security with productivity, ensuring that external partners can work effectively while minimizing risks. Audit logs capture all guest activity, enabling continuous monitoring, compliance reporting, and informed decision-making regarding external access. This approach strengthens the overall security posture, supports regulatory requirements, and fosters trust in external partnerships.
Question 101:
Which feature allows administrators to remove user access automatically if they do not respond to a periodic access review?
A) Access Reviews
B) Security Defaults
C) Privileged Identity Management
D) Azure AD Connect
Answer: A
Explanation:
Access Reviews in Azure AD provide administrators with the ability to periodically evaluate access to resources for both internal and external users. A key feature is automation: if a user does not respond to the review or if access is deemed unnecessary, the system can automatically remove the user’s access. This ensures that accounts do not retain permissions longer than required, reducing risk and maintaining the principle of least privilege. Security Defaults enforce baseline security controls such as mandatory MFA for privileged accounts but do not include access review automation. Privileged Identity Management manages temporary administrative roles, approvals, and auditing but does not automatically remove access for general users based on inactivity or review outcomes. Azure AD Connect synchronizes on-premises accounts but does not provide access governance.
Access Reviews in Azure AD provide organizations with a powerful mechanism to continuously validate access to critical resources, ensuring that only authorized users maintain permissions. By targeting specific users, groups, or applications, administrators can design reviews that align precisely with organizational requirements. For example, Access Reviews can be configured for project teams with external collaborators, sensitive application groups, or privileged roles, allowing administrators to focus on areas where the risk of over-provisioned access is highest. Scheduling these reviews to recur at regular intervals, such as monthly, quarterly, or semi-annually, ensures ongoing evaluation without requiring constant manual intervention.
Integration with Conditional Access strengthens the enforcement of compliance requirements. Users flagged during Access Reviews can have access restricted automatically if they fail to meet the organization’s defined policies. This integration ensures that policies around device compliance, location, and risk evaluation are applied consistently across both internal and external users. Audit logs capture detailed information about reviewer decisions, automated access removals, and user responses, creating a robust trail for regulatory compliance, security audits, and internal governance reporting. These logs are essential for demonstrating accountability and adherence to industry standards such as GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO 27001, providing visibility into who had access, who reviewed it, and what actions were taken.
Automated removal during Access Reviews is a critical feature for reducing security risk. Permissions that are no longer required, such as those granted to external collaborators at the start of a project, can be automatically revoked at the end of the review cycle. This minimizes the attack surface by ensuring that stale or unnecessary accounts do not retain access to sensitive applications or data. By enforcing least privilege in a structured, repeatable manner, organizations reduce the likelihood of accidental or malicious data exposure.
While Security Defaults, Privileged Identity Management, and Azure AD Connect provide essential security and identity management functions, they do not offer recurring, automated access governance. Security Defaults enforce baseline security measures like multi-factor authentication, PIM manages temporary elevation for privileged roles, and Azure AD Connect synchronizes on-premises accounts with Azure AD. However, none of these solutions actively evaluate ongoing access to resources or provide automated enforcement based on review outcomes. Access Reviews fill this gap by ensuring that all users, including guest users and external collaborators, are continually assessed against organizational policies, maintaining secure collaboration without manual oversight.
By implementing Access Reviews, organizations gain improved visibility, streamlined governance, and reduced risk exposure. External collaborators are periodically validated, permissions are automatically adjusted, and compliance reporting is simplified. This structured approach aligns with modern zero-trust security principles, ensuring that access is granted on a need-to-know basis and continuously monitored. Overall, Access Reviews are an indispensable tool for managing identity lifecycle, securing sensitive resources, and supporting operational and regulatory requirements across both internal and external users.
Question 102:
Which authentication method provides a portable, phishing-resistant, passwordless experience using a physical or virtual key?
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 without passwords by using a physical or virtual security key. The method leverages public-key cryptography, where the private key remains secure on the user’s device and the public key is registered with Azure AD. Authentication requires possession of the key and may include biometric verification or a PIN tied to the key. Pass-through Authentication validates passwords against on-premises Active Directory and is not passwordless. Windows Hello for Business is passwordless but device-bound rather than portable and typically tied to a single enrolled device. Self-service password reset helps recover forgotten passwords but does not provide passwordless access. FIDO2 enhances security by eliminating the risk of password theft, phishing attacks, and credential replay. It supports hybrid and cloud environments, allowing users to carry their authentication credentials across multiple devices securely. Integration with Conditional Access ensures that authentication aligns with risk, device compliance, and location policies. Detailed logs capture authentication events and security key usage for auditing and compliance.
Organizations adopting FIDO2 authentication experience multiple benefits in terms of security, operational efficiency, and user experience. FIDO2 enables passwordless authentication by using cryptographic keys stored on a physical security device, such as a USB security key, NFC-enabled token, or platform authenticator embedded in a device. Users authenticate by proving possession of the security key and performing a verification gesture, such as a biometric scan or PIN. This dual requirement ensures strong, phishing-resistant authentication while eliminating the need for passwords, which are often weak, reused, or susceptible to compromise.
One of the key operational advantages of FIDO2 is a significant reduction in helpdesk overhead. Password-related support tickets, including password resets and lockouts, represent a substantial administrative burden in most organizations. By implementing FIDO2, organizations can drastically reduce these incidents, freeing IT resources to focus on higher-value tasks while improving end-user satisfaction. The user experience is also enhanced because authentication becomes faster, more reliable, and more intuitive. Users no longer need to remember complex passwords, follow cumbersome reset processes, or manage password rotation policies, resulting in smoother access to corporate resources.
FIDO2 aligns closely with zero-trust principles, which advocate continuous verification of user identity and device integrity before granting access. By requiring both possession of the security key and user verification, FIDO2 ensures that authentication is bound to the user and the device, making it highly resistant to attacks such as phishing, credential stuffing, and man-in-the-middle exploits. Even if an attacker obtains the username or attempts to spoof a login page, access cannot be granted without the physical key and user verification, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
While other mechanisms—such as Pass-through Authentication (PTA), Windows Hello for Business, and self-service password reset—provide complementary authentication or recovery options, they do not deliver the same level of portability, phishing resistance, and passwordless access that FIDO2 offers. PTA secures hybrid environments by enabling on-premises AD verification without replicating passwords, Windows Hello adds device-bound biometric authentication, and self-service password reset improves usability for forgotten credentials. However, FIDO2 uniquely combines strong security with ease of use in a fully passwordless model suitable for modern enterprise environments, whether cloud-only or hybrid.
Implementing FIDO2 helps organizations strengthen identity security, reduce administrative burdens, enhance user experience, and comply with regulatory and security standards. It provides a robust, scalable solution for modern enterprises seeking to enforce zero-trust principles while simplifying access management and minimizing risks associated with traditional passwords. As a portable, phishing-resistant, and user-friendly authentication method, FIDO2 represents a critical advancement in identity and access management strategies for secure, efficient, and compliant enterprise operations.
Question 103:
Which Conditional Access policy allows administrators to enforce MFA only for sign-ins that exhibit risk?
A) Risk-based Conditional Access
B) Device state policy
C) Session control
D) Security Defaults
Answer: A
Explanation:
Risk-based Conditional Access evaluates sign-ins in real time using Azure AD Identity Protection, assigning risk levels based on unusual locations, devices, IP addresses, or suspicious behavior. Policies can enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) only when risky activity is detected, ensuring minimal disruption for low-risk users while increasing security for high-risk sign-ins. Device state policies restrict access based on device compliance or domain membership but do not dynamically evaluate sign-in risk. Session controls manage session duration, monitoring, and persistence but do not enforce risk-based MFA. Security Defaults enforce baseline protections such as mandatory MFA for privileged accounts but lack granular, dynamic risk evaluation.
By implementing risk-based Conditional Access, organizations can intelligently challenge users only when threats are detected, balancing security with user productivity. Integration with Conditional Access, device compliance, and identity protection ensures that access decisions consider multiple signals, creating a layered security approach. Audit logs capture risk events, policy enforcement, and user responses, supporting compliance and operational oversight.
Risk-based Conditional Access leverages real-time signals to evaluate the likelihood of account compromise during each sign-in attempt. This evaluation considers multiple factors, such as unfamiliar locations, atypical sign-in patterns, sign-ins from anonymous IP addresses, or access from devices with suspicious configurations. When a high-risk sign-in is detected, policies can automatically enforce multi-factor authentication, block access, or require additional verification steps. This dynamic enforcement ensures that legitimate users experience minimal friction while reducing the likelihood of unauthorized access, supporting both productivity and security.
Unlike traditional static security measures, which apply uniform protections regardless of context, risk-based Conditional Access enables organizations to implement adaptive security policies. By continuously assessing the risk associated with each sign-in, it ensures that higher-risk scenarios receive more stringent controls while lower-risk activities remain unobstructed. This approach aligns with zero-trust principles, which assume that threats may exist both inside and outside the corporate network and require continuous verification of user identity and device compliance.
Integrating risk-based Conditional Access with other Azure AD security features enhances overall protection. Device state policies ensure that access is granted only from compliant or domain-joined devices, session controls govern active sessions, and Security Defaults provide baseline protections like mandatory MFA for all users. However, only risk-based Conditional Access offers context-aware, automated enforcement that adapts to sign-in risk in real time. This reduces the administrative burden of manually monitoring and responding to potential compromises, allowing security teams to focus on strategic initiatives rather than reactive interventions.
By leveraging risk-based Conditional Access, organizations not only strengthen security posture but also improve regulatory compliance. Automated detection and remediation of risky sign-ins generate audit trails and reporting capabilities that support frameworks such as GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2, and ISO 27001. Organizations can demonstrate that access policies are dynamically enforced based on risk, providing evidence of proactive security measures. Overall, this approach offers a scalable, efficient, and secure method to manage user authentication, mitigate credential compromise, and ensure that only verified users access sensitive resources.
Question 104:
Which Azure AD feature enables secure access for external users without creating internal accounts?
A) Azure AD B2B collaboration
B) Security Defaults
C) Privileged Identity Management
D) Azure AD Connect
Answer: A
Explanation:
Azure AD B2B collaboration enables organizations to securely grant external users access to resources using their home credentials. This reduces the need to create and manage internal accounts while ensuring secure authentication. Security Defaults enforce baseline protections such as mandatory MFA but do not facilitate external collaboration. Privileged Identity Management manages temporary administrative access and auditing but does not provide guest access. Azure AD Connect synchronizes on-premises identities but does not enable external authentication. B2B collaboration integrates with Conditional Access, MFA, and device compliance to ensure that external users adhere to organizational security requirements.
Access Reviews are a critical governance tool within modern identity and access management frameworks, particularly when managing external users in B2B collaboration scenarios. They enable organizations to periodically validate whether users, especially guest accounts, still require access to corporate resources. This periodic validation ensures that permissions are aligned with current roles and responsibilities, reducing the risk of overprovisioned access that could lead to security incidents. By automatically removing unnecessary or inactive access, Access Reviews enforce the principle of least privilege, which is a cornerstone of zero-trust security. This ensures that both internal employees and external partners only retain the permissions they need, minimizing potential attack surfaces and limiting the exposure of sensitive data.
Detailed logs complement Access Reviews by providing comprehensive visibility into external user activity. Every sign-in, resource access, policy enforcement, and administrative action is recorded, offering transparency and accountability for all interactions with corporate resources. These logs support regulatory compliance, providing audit trails necessary for standards such as GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2, and ISO 27001. Security teams can analyze logs to detect anomalous behavior, identify unusual patterns in guest activity, and respond proactively to potential threats. Logging also facilitates forensic investigations, ensuring that any suspicious or unauthorized access can be thoroughly traced and mitigated.
Allowing external users to authenticate with their own credentials offers multiple benefits. It eliminates the need to create and manage separate internal accounts for each external user, reducing administrative overhead and the complexity of managing identities. At the same time, it ensures that authentication policies of the guest’s home organization, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), password policies, and conditional access rules, are applied. This federated authentication approach enhances security by leveraging existing controls while enabling external partners to work seamlessly with corporate resources. Users experience fewer friction points, which improves collaboration and productivity, without compromising security.
B2B collaboration aligns strongly with zero-trust principles by ensuring that every access request is evaluated, continuously verified, and logged. External users are never implicitly trusted; access is granted only under controlled, auditable conditions, and elevated privileges are limited to necessary tasks. Organizations can enforce Conditional Access policies, device compliance, and MFA for external users, ensuring that only verified and compliant accounts access sensitive applications. This layered security model reduces the risk of data breaches originating from external accounts and maintains organizational control over resource access.
While Security Defaults, Privileged Identity Management (PIM), and Azure AD Connect provide foundational security and identity management capabilities, such as baseline protections, temporary privileged access, and directory synchronization, they do not provide seamless and secure authentication for external users. B2B collaboration fills this gap by combining federated authentication, access reviews, conditional policies, and comprehensive auditing, creating a holistic solution for managing external identities.
Organizations that implement B2B collaboration with Access Reviews and detailed logging gain multiple benefits. Governance is improved because access is periodically validated and unnecessary permissions are removed. Security risks are reduced through continuous monitoring and adherence to zero-trust principles. Compliance reporting is enhanced via detailed logs capturing guest activity and policy enforcement. Productivity is maintained as external partners can securely access necessary resources using their own credentials. Overall, this approach balances security, usability, and operational efficiency, ensuring that external collaboration is both effective and secure.
Question 105:
Which feature allows periodic evaluation of access for internal and guest users to maintain least privilege?
A) Access Reviews
B) Security Defaults
C) Privileged Identity Management
D) Azure AD Connect
Answer: A
Explanation:
Access Reviews in Azure AD enable organizations to periodically evaluate the access rights of both internal and guest users. The primary goal is to maintain least privilege by ensuring users retain only the access necessary for their roles or collaboration needs. Reviewers, which can include managers or automated workflows, assess whether access should continue. If users fail to respond or access is deemed unnecessary, automated removal ensures stale or over-provisioned accounts are eliminated. Security Defaults enforce baseline security protections such as mandatory MFA but do not provide structured access review processes. Privileged Identity Management governs temporary elevation of administrative roles, approvals, and auditing but does not manage general access reviews. Azure AD Connect synchronizes on-premises accounts but does not facilitate ongoing access governance.
Access Reviews in Azure AD provide a structured and automated mechanism for organizations to periodically evaluate user access to applications, groups, and roles, ensuring that only the right individuals retain permissions. Administrators can configure Access Reviews to target specific users, groups, or applications, allowing for granular control over access governance. For example, access to sensitive applications can be reviewed quarterly, while temporary project groups or external collaborators may undergo monthly reviews. By automating the review process, organizations reduce the administrative overhead of manually auditing permissions while maintaining strong governance and accountability.
Integration with Conditional Access further enhances security by enforcing compliance requirements. For instance, if a user fails to meet the conditions of an Access Review, their access can be automatically removed or restricted, preventing unauthorized or unnecessary access to sensitive resources. Audit logs capture all reviewer decisions, including approvals, denials, and automatic removals, creating a comprehensive record for regulatory reporting and internal compliance. These detailed logs provide visibility into who has access, who reviewed it, and the actions taken, supporting organizations in demonstrating adherence to policies such as GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO 27001.
Access Reviews are particularly valuable in environments with B2B collaborations, where external users may have temporary access to corporate resources. By reviewing these accounts regularly, organizations can ensure that external collaborators retain access only for the duration required and that access is automatically revoked when no longer necessary. This helps reduce the attack surface, limit exposure of sensitive information, and maintain compliance with organizational security standards. Additionally, in organizations with frequent role changes, Access Reviews ensure that employees moving between departments, projects, or teams do not retain access to resources no longer relevant to their responsibilities, enforcing the principle of least privilege.
While Security Defaults, Privileged Identity Management, and Azure AD Connect provide essential security and identity management capabilities, they do not offer the recurring, governance-focused evaluation of user access that Access Reviews deliver. Security Defaults enforce baseline protections such as MFA, PIM manages temporary elevation for privileged roles, and Azure AD Connect synchronizes on-premises identities, but none of these solutions periodically validate ongoing access assignments across all users. Access Reviews fill this critical gap, providing both operational security and compliance assurance.
Moreover, Access Reviews support customized review workflows. Administrators can assign reviewers from management, security teams, or application owners, and reviewers can provide justification for access retention or removal. Notifications and reminders help ensure timely completion, while automated expiration of access reduces the likelihood of lingering permissions. By combining Access Reviews with Conditional Access, organizations achieve a holistic, zero-trust approach, continuously validating both user and device compliance before access is granted or retained.
Overall, Access Reviews significantly enhance visibility, accountability, and operational security. They enforce least privilege, reduce over-provisioned access risks, and maintain alignment with regulatory requirements, making them an indispensable tool in modern identity governance strategies. By providing recurring evaluation and automated enforcement, Access Reviews strengthen both internal security posture and external compliance, particularly in complex environments with hybrid users and external collaborators.