Microsoft SC-300 Microsoft Identity and Access Administrator Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set 8 Q106-120
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Question 106:
Which Azure AD feature allows temporary elevation of administrative roles, approval workflows, and detailed audit logging?
A) Privileged Identity Management
B) Security Defaults
C) Azure AD Connect
D) Conditional Access
Answer: A
Explanation:
Privileged Identity Management (PIM) in Azure AD is specifically designed to provide secure governance over privileged accounts by enabling just-in-time access to administrative roles. With PIM, administrators are only granted elevated permissions when required for a defined period, which minimizes the risk of standing administrative privileges that could be exploited. The feature includes robust approval workflows, allowing organizations to specify approvers such as managers or automated processes that must authorize role activation. Every activation, including the start and end times, the user performing the role, and all activities conducted during the elevated session, is logged and stored to support auditing and compliance requirements.
Security Defaults, while useful for enforcing baseline security measures like mandatory multi-factor authentication for privileged accounts, do not provide temporary elevation, approvals, or detailed audit tracking. Azure AD Connect is primarily used for synchronizing on-premises Active Directory accounts with Azure AD and does not provide privileged access management features. Conditional Access enforces policies such as requiring MFA or compliant devices for access but does not govern the lifecycle of privileged roles. PIM also integrates with access reviews, allowing administrators to periodically confirm that users still require privileged access, which ensures adherence to the principle of least privilege. Automatic expiration of role assignments reduces the risk of accounts retaining unnecessary privileges.
By combining PIM with Conditional Access and multi-factor authentication, organizations create a layered security model for administrative access that mitigates the risk of misuse or compromise. The feature provides detailed reporting capabilities, capturing every activation, approval, and change, which helps organizations demonstrate compliance with internal governance and regulatory frameworks. PIM’s automation reduces administrative overhead by ensuring privileges are only granted as needed, while providing transparency into administrative activity. Additionally, PIM allows the configuration of notifications for role activation, helping both approvers and administrators track elevated access in real time. In organizations with multiple administrators or sensitive resources, PIM is essential for reducing the attack surface while maintaining operational efficiency.
Unlike Security Defaults, Azure AD Connect, and Conditional Access, PIM directly addresses the challenge of managing privileged roles securely by combining temporary access, approval workflows, and detailed auditing into a single solution. By implementing PIM, organizations ensure accountability, operational governance, and alignment with zero-trust security principles, making it a critical tool in modern identity and access management strategies.
Question 107:
Which authentication method provides a passwordless experience using biometric verification or a PIN tied to a device?
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 is an Azure AD authentication method that delivers a secure, passwordless experience by using device-bound credentials combined with biometric verification, such as facial recognition or fingerprint scanning, or a secure PIN tied to the device. This approach enhances security because even if credentials are compromised elsewhere, the attacker cannot gain access without the specific enrolled device and the user’s biometric data or PIN. FIDO2 security keys also provide a passwordless experience, but unlike Windows Hello, they are portable and not tied to a specific device enrolled in the organization, which may introduce different administrative considerations. Pass-through Authentication relies on verifying passwords against on-premises Active Directory and therefore is password-dependent, providing no passwordless functionality. Self-service password reset allows users to recover forgotten passwords but does not remove the need to remember or enter passwords during authentication.
Windows Hello for Business strengthens security by mitigating threats such as phishing attacks, brute-force attempts, and credential theft, while simultaneously improving usability by allowing users to authenticate quickly without entering complex passwords. Integration with Conditional Access policies ensures that device compliance, location, and other contextual signals are evaluated during authentication, maintaining a layered security posture. Detailed logging of sign-ins provides administrators with visibility into authentication events, which supports monitoring and regulatory compliance. Unlike FIDO2, which is portable across multiple devices, Windows Hello is ideal for controlled environments where devices are managed by the organization and can be enrolled in Azure AD or Intune. It supports hybrid and cloud deployments, ensuring seamless integration with existing IT infrastructure. Pass-through Authentication and self-service password reset complement Windows Hello by enabling hybrid authentication or recovery solutions, but neither offers a fully phishing-resistant, passwordless experience.
By implementing Windows Hello for Business, organizations reduce administrative overhead related to password management, improve security against identity compromise, and provide an enhanced user experience. The method aligns with zero-trust security principles by combining device trust, biometric verification, and secure PINs, making it a highly recommended approach for modern enterprise authentication strategies.
Question 108:
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 within Azure AD Conditional Access are used to enforce access restrictions based on the compliance status and domain membership of a user’s device. Compliance criteria may include encryption, operating system versions, antivirus status, Intune enrollment, and adherence to security baselines established by the organization. Session control, on the other hand, manages session duration, monitoring, and persistence but does not evaluate device compliance or domain status. Risk-based Conditional Access evaluates the likelihood of account compromise based on sign-in behavior and threat intelligence but does not restrict access based on the device’s security posture. Multi-factor authentication enhances security at the point of sign-in but does not enforce access restrictions based on device compliance.
By applying device state policies, administrators ensure that only devices meeting organizational security requirements can access resources, reducing the potential for unauthorized access or data leakage. Integration with Intune allows non-compliant devices to be automatically remediated, ensuring that security policies are consistently applied across the organization. These policies can be scoped to specific applications, groups, or users, allowing granular enforcement without disrupting legitimate access. Audit logs capture policy evaluations and enforcement actions, providing visibility and supporting regulatory compliance.
Device state policies complement other Conditional Access controls, including session controls and risk-based policies, by providing a layered approach to secure access. Unlike MFA, risk-based Conditional Access, or session controls, device state policies directly evaluate endpoint trust before allowing access, supporting zero-trust principles. Organizations benefit from enhanced security posture, minimized attack surfaces, and compliance alignment by ensuring that only secure, trusted devices access sensitive resources. Implementing device state policies helps maintain governance, secure hybrid environments, and enforce endpoint compliance consistently, making them critical for modern identity management.
Question 109:
Which Azure AD feature provides continuous monitoring of user accounts and automated remediation for risky sign-ins?
A) Azure AD Identity Protection
B) Security Defaults
C) Privileged Identity Management
D) Azure AD Connect
Answer: A
Explanation:
Azure AD Identity Protection continuously monitors sign-ins and user accounts, evaluating risk in real time using machine learning, threat intelligence, and behavioral analytics. Risk factors can include sign-ins from unfamiliar locations, atypical devices, suspicious IP addresses, or potential credential compromise. Based on the assigned risk level—low, medium, or high—automated remediation actions can be applied, such as enforcing multi-factor authentication, blocking access, or requiring password resets. Security Defaults provide baseline protections, including mandatory MFA for privileged accounts, but they do not dynamically evaluate risk or implement automated remediation. Privileged Identity Management governs temporary administrative access, approval workflows, and auditing but does not evaluate general sign-in risk.
Azure AD Connect synchronizes on-premises identities but does not perform risk-based monitoring or automated remediation. Identity Protection integrates with Conditional Access to enforce policies based on detected risks, enabling real-time protection while minimizing disruption for legitimate users. Audit logs capture risk events, actions taken, and affected accounts, providing detailed reporting for compliance and security governance. Automated remediation reduces administrative overhead and proactively mitigates potential threats, maintaining a secure environment even in the event of compromised credentials. Organizations can configure policies to respond differently depending on risk severity, striking a balance between usability and security. Identity Protection aligns with zero-trust principles by continuously validating user identity, detecting anomalous behavior, and enforcing corrective actions automatically.
While Security Defaults, Privileged Identity Management (PIM), and Azure AD Connect provide important identity and access management capabilities, they address only specific aspects of security. Security Defaults enforce baseline protections such as multi-factor authentication and blocking legacy authentication for all users, ensuring a minimum level of security across the tenant. PIM focuses on managing privileged roles, providing just-in-time access, approval workflows, and audit trails to reduce the risk associated with standing administrative privileges. Azure AD Connect synchronizes on-premises Active Directory accounts with Azure AD, enabling hybrid identity scenarios and consistent authentication across cloud and on-premises systems. While each of these tools contributes to a secure identity environment, none offer continuous, automated risk detection or remediation for user accounts.
Azure AD Identity Protection fills this gap by providing real-time, risk-based monitoring for both user accounts and sign-ins. It leverages machine learning and heuristic analysis to detect suspicious activities, such as atypical sign-in locations, impossible travel scenarios, or compromised credentials. Once risky behavior is detected, Identity Protection can automatically enforce mitigation measures, such as requiring multi-factor authentication, password resets, or temporary account blocks. This automated response significantly reduces the time window in which attackers can exploit compromised accounts, improving overall security posture and reducing reliance on manual intervention.
Identity Protection integrates seamlessly with Conditional Access, allowing organizations to enforce adaptive, risk-based access policies. For example, if a user attempts to sign in from an unfamiliar location or device, Conditional Access can require additional authentication steps or block access entirely, depending on the risk level. These dynamic policies ensure that legitimate users maintain seamless access while potential threats are mitigated in real time.
Furthermore, Identity Protection provides extensive reporting and audit capabilities, giving administrators detailed visibility into risk events, user risk levels, and policy enforcement actions. These reports are critical for demonstrating regulatory compliance, supporting audits, and identifying patterns that may indicate targeted attacks or insider threats. By continuously monitoring and assessing risk, Identity Protection enables organizations to move from reactive security practices to a proactive, automated security posture.
In modern enterprise environments, where hybrid and remote work models increase exposure to identity-related attacks, Identity Protection is an essential component of any identity security program. It complements Security Defaults, PIM, and Azure AD Connect by providing continuous protection, risk-based enforcement, and actionable insights, making it indispensable for organizations aiming to implement zero-trust principles and maintain robust identity governance.
Question 110:
Which authentication method allows hybrid users to sign in 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 hybrid users to authenticate to Azure AD using their on-premises Active Directory credentials without storing passwords in the cloud. When a user attempts to sign in, their credentials are securely passed to the on-premises environment for validation, ensuring that passwords remain on-premises. This reduces exposure to cloud-based attacks, including phishing and credential theft, because the passwords are never replicated or stored in Azure AD. FIDO2 passwordless authentication eliminates passwords entirely but uses cryptographic keys rather than authenticating against on-premises credentials. Windows Hello for Business also provides a passwordless experience using device-bound credentials and biometrics, but it does not authenticate directly against on-premises AD credentials in the same way PTA does. Self-service password reset enhances usability by allowing users to recover forgotten passwords but does not remove the reliance on passwords for authentication.
PTA supports centralized enforcement of password policies, lockout rules, and auditing, maintaining consistent security across both on-premises and cloud environments. Integration with Conditional Access and multi-factor authentication provides an additional layer of protection, evaluating device compliance, location, and risk signals during the authentication process. Audit logs track all authentication events, providing transparency and compliance reporting. PTA is particularly valuable for organizations with hybrid environments, as it allows seamless access to cloud resources while keeping credentials secure in the on-premises environment.
Pass-through Authentication (PTA) offers organizations a secure and efficient method for authenticating users in hybrid environments, where both on-premises and cloud resources are in use. By validating credentials directly against the on-premises Active Directory, PTA eliminates the need to store passwords in the cloud, thereby reducing the attack surface associated with credential replication. This design inherently supports zero-trust principles, which emphasize continuous verification of user identity and device trust before granting access to resources. By keeping authentication within the organization’s controlled environment, PTA ensures that sensitive credentials are not exposed to external systems, enhancing overall security.
One of the primary advantages of PTA is its ability to provide seamless single sign-on (SSO) for end users. Users can authenticate once using their on-premises credentials and gain access to cloud applications such as Microsoft 365, Azure services, and other integrated SaaS applications without repeatedly entering passwords. This reduces friction and improves user experience while maintaining strict adherence to organizational authentication policies. Additionally, PTA works in combination with Conditional Access policies to enforce multi-factor authentication, device compliance, and location-based restrictions, ensuring that access decisions are contextually secure.
Unlike FIDO2 security keys or Windows Hello for Business, which focus on passwordless authentication using biometrics or device-bound credentials, PTA specifically addresses the challenge of hybrid authentication scenarios. Many organizations have legacy systems, on-premises applications, and compliance requirements that necessitate the retention of on-premises credentials. PTA allows these organizations to adopt cloud-based services securely without migrating all authentication data to Azure AD or the cloud, balancing operational efficiency with robust security controls.
From a regulatory and compliance perspective, PTA provides auditability and control over authentication events. Authentication requests are processed against the internal Active Directory, ensuring that all validation occurs within the organization’s security perimeter. Logs of authentication attempts can be retained for compliance reporting, internal audits, and forensic investigations, helping organizations meet requirements such as GDPR, HIPAA, or ISO 27001. This level of control over user credentials is often critical for highly regulated industries that cannot tolerate cloud-stored passwords.
PTA also reduces administrative overhead. Unlike traditional federation setups or cloud-only authentication mechanisms, PTA does not require complex identity federation infrastructure. It integrates directly with Azure AD, providing a streamlined, scalable approach that supports thousands of users without introducing additional complexity. Administrators can manage authentication policies centrally, enforce conditional access, and monitor risk without compromising usability.
By combining security, compliance, and usability, PTA allows organizations to maintain robust identity governance in hybrid environments. It ensures that credentials are validated securely, access is granted only to verified users, and regulatory requirements are satisfied. This approach minimizes risk, supports zero-trust initiatives, and provides a seamless authentication experience, making PTA a critical component for organizations navigating the transition between on-premises infrastructure and cloud services.
Question 111:
Which Conditional Access control allows real-time monitoring and management of user sessions, including limiting session duration?
A) Session control
B) Device state policy
C) Risk-based Conditional Access
D) Multi-factor authentication
Answer: A
Explanation:
Session control in Azure AD Conditional Access provides organizations with the ability to monitor and manage user sessions after authentication. It allows administrators to enforce limits on session duration, track user activity, and prevent persistent sign-ins that could pose security risks if credentials are compromised. Device state policies, by contrast, enforce access based on device compliance or domain membership but do not manage session activity or duration. Risk-based Conditional Access evaluates the risk associated with sign-ins and can trigger multi-factor authentication or block access, but it does not directly control ongoing session behavior. Multi-factor authentication strengthens the verification process at sign-in but does not influence session management. By implementing session controls, organizations ensure that access to sensitive cloud applications is continuously evaluated and mitigated against misuse. For example, sessions can be configured to automatically expire after a defined period or to require re-authentication for high-risk activities. Integration with Conditional Access, device compliance, and multi-factor authentication creates a layered security model that balances user productivity with robust protection. Detailed logs of session activity and policy enforcement support auditing, operational oversight, and regulatory compliance. Session control aligns with zero-trust principles by continuously validating user access post-authentication and ensuring that sessions do not persist unchecked, which reduces the attack surface and protects corporate resources. Unlike device state policies, MFA, or risk-based Conditional Access, session control focuses on maintaining secure and monitored sessions, making it a critical component of a comprehensive Conditional Access strategy. Organizations benefit from reduced risk of unauthorized access, increased governance over user activity, and improved security posture by actively managing session behavior in real time.
Question 112:
Which Azure AD feature enables secure access for external users while allowing them to use credentials from their home organization?
A) Azure AD B2B collaboration
B) Security Defaults
C) Privileged Identity Management
D) Azure AD Connect
Answer: A
Explanation:
Azure AD B2B (Business-to-Business) collaboration allows organizations to provide secure access to external users without requiring the creation of internal accounts. Guest users can authenticate using credentials from their home organization, reducing administrative overhead while maintaining strong security controls. Security Defaults enforce baseline protections, such as mandatory MFA for privileged accounts, but do not facilitate external collaboration or guest account management. Privileged Identity Management manages temporary elevation of administrative privileges but is unrelated to external access. Azure AD Connect synchronizes on-premises accounts with Azure AD but does not enable secure authentication for external users. B2B collaboration integrates seamlessly with Conditional Access policies, enabling administrators to enforce MFA, device compliance, location-based access, and risk-based controls for guest users.
Access Reviews can be scheduled to periodically validate guest access, automatically removing unnecessary permissions and ensuring adherence to least privilege principles. Detailed audit logs capture all guest user activity, approvals, and changes, supporting regulatory compliance and internal governance. By allowing external users to authenticate with their own credentials, organizations reduce the risk associated with managing additional accounts while enabling secure collaboration.
Azure AD B2B collaboration provides organizations with a structured and secure method to grant external users access to corporate resources while leveraging their existing credentials from their home organizations. This approach allows businesses to maintain operational efficiency, as external users do not require separate accounts within the organization, reducing the administrative burden associated with account creation, management, and deprovisioning. By using B2B collaboration, organizations can enforce policies consistently across both internal and external users, integrating seamlessly with Conditional Access, device compliance policies, and other identity governance tools to maintain security and regulatory compliance.
A core advantage of B2B collaboration is its alignment with zero-trust security principles. Access is granted only after verifying the identity of the external user, ensuring that the device meets compliance standards and evaluating contextual signals such as location and risk level. This ensures that even external collaborators operate under the same security controls as internal users, reducing the likelihood of unauthorized access or credential misuse. Furthermore, organizations can implement access reviews for guest accounts, automatically removing or adjusting permissions based on ongoing collaboration needs. This process ensures that permissions do not remain over-provisioned, which reduces the potential attack surface and supports compliance with policies such as least privilege and separation of duties.
Unlike Security Defaults, which provide baseline protections such as mandatory multi-factor authentication but lack granular control over external users, B2B collaboration offers fine-grained governance. Administrators can target specific users, groups, or applications, ensuring that external users only have access to resources necessary for their collaboration. Privileged Identity Management (PIM) focuses on administrative role security and just-in-time access for internal users but does not manage guest access or external identity verification. Similarly, Azure AD Connect facilitates hybrid identity and synchronization of on-premises accounts but does not provide governance or access management for external collaborators. B2B collaboration fills this critical gap, providing a scalable and secure approach to managing external user access.
The solution also provides extensive auditing and reporting capabilities, giving administrators full visibility into guest activity and access patterns. Audit logs track sign-ins, access requests, and policy enforcement actions, enabling organizations to meet regulatory requirements and respond quickly to suspicious behavior. By integrating with Conditional Access policies, B2B collaboration ensures that external users comply with organizational security standards, such as MFA enforcement, device compliance, and location-based restrictions, without requiring additional administrative intervention.
Operational efficiency is another key benefit. Organizations can reduce administrative overhead by leveraging the external users’ existing identities and automating access management processes. This ensures that external collaboration is seamless, allowing partners, contractors, and vendors to securely access resources while maintaining full governance, compliance, and accountability.
In summary, Azure AD B2B collaboration provides organizations with a secure, scalable, and manageable framework for engaging external partners. It aligns with zero-trust principles, enforces policy compliance, reduces administrative burden, and provides comprehensive visibility and governance. For organizations working extensively with external collaborators, B2B collaboration is an essential tool for maintaining security, compliance, and operational efficiency while enabling productive partnerships.
Question 113:
Which Azure AD feature allows automated periodic evaluation of user and guest access 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 allow organizations to periodically evaluate access for both internal and guest users to ensure that permissions remain aligned with the principle of least privilege. Reviewers, which can include managers or automated workflows, assess whether access should continue, and if users fail to respond or are deemed unnecessary, access can be automatically removed. Security Defaults enforce baseline protections, such as mandatory MFA, but do not provide structured access review processes. Privileged Identity Management governs temporary elevation and auditing of administrative roles but does not manage general access reviews.
Azure AD Connect synchronizes on-premises accounts but does not facilitate ongoing governance of access. Access Reviews can target specific users, groups, or applications and integrate with Conditional Access policies to ensure compliance. Automated reminders and expiration of access for non-responsive users reduce the risk of stale or over-provisioned accounts. Detailed audit logs capture reviewer decisions, automated removals, and user responses, supporting compliance reporting and governance requirements.
Access Reviews also provide organizations with detailed audit logs, capturing reviewer decisions, automated removals, and any changes to access rights. These logs support compliance reporting, internal governance, and regulatory requirements, ensuring that all access management actions are transparent and accountable. By scheduling recurring reviews—monthly, quarterly, or according to organizational policy—administrators can maintain continuous oversight of both internal and guest accounts, reducing the likelihood of privilege creep and over-provisioned access.
For guest users and external collaborators, Access Reviews are particularly critical. External accounts often remain active longer than necessary, increasing the organization’s attack surface. By periodically evaluating these accounts, organizations can automatically remove or adjust permissions, ensuring that external users retain access only for the duration needed to complete their tasks. This proactive approach not only reduces security risks but also reinforces the principle of least privilege, a cornerstone of zero-trust security frameworks.
Integration with Conditional Access, MFA, and device compliance ensures that Access Reviews are part of a holistic identity governance strategy. Decisions made during reviews can trigger policy enforcement, such as revoking access from non-compliant devices or requiring reauthentication. This integration creates a dynamic, automated environment where security is continuously maintained without placing additional administrative burden on IT teams.
In summary, Access Reviews offer a scalable, repeatable, and auditable solution for managing access across both internal and external users. By ensuring that permissions are regularly validated, organizations improve security posture, reduce exposure to risks, and maintain operational efficiency while aligning with zero-trust principles.
Question 114:
Which authentication method provides a portable, phishing-resistant, passwordless experience using cryptographic keys?
A) FIDO2 passwordless authentication
B) Pass-through Authentication
C) Windows Hello for Business
D) Self-service password reset
Answer: A
Explanation:
FIDO2 passwordless authentication provides a secure, phishing-resistant sign-in experience using cryptographic keys. Users authenticate by proving possession of a security key, which can be physical or virtual, often combined with biometric verification or a PIN tied to the key. The private key remains secure on the user’s device, while the public key is registered with Azure AD, ensuring that authentication cannot be intercepted or replicated. Pass-through Authentication, in contrast, relies on passwords validated against on-premises Active Directory, making it password-dependent. Windows Hello for Business also provides passwordless authentication, but it is device-bound rather than portable, limiting flexibility across multiple devices.
Self-service password reset allows password recovery but does not eliminate passwords or provide phishing-resistant authentication. FIDO2 significantly reduces the risk of phishing, credential theft, and replay attacks while enhancing usability for end users. Integration with Conditional Access allows organizations to enforce risk-based policies, MFA, and device compliance during authentication. Audit logs track all authentication attempts, successful or failed, providing visibility and supporting regulatory compliance. FIDO2 supports hybrid and cloud environments, enabling users to securely access corporate resources from multiple devices without relying on passwords. Organizations benefit from reduced helpdesk costs, improved security posture, and alignment with zero-trust principles. Unlike other methods, FIDO2 combines portability, phishing resistance, and passwordless security, making it an essential component of modern identity management strategies. Its ability to secure authentication while maintaining usability provides organizations with a balance between operational efficiency and robust security, complementing other identity solutions such as PTA or Windows Hello for Business.
By adopting FIDO2, organizations can enforce strong security policies without burdening users with passwords, reducing the risk of compromised accounts and enabling secure access across hybrid and cloud environments.
Question 115:
Which Conditional Access policy evaluates sign-in risk and enforces multi-factor authentication for risky logins?
A) Risk-based Conditional Access
B) Device state policy
C) Session control
D) Security Defaults
Answer: A
Explanation:
Risk-based Conditional Access is a critical feature in Azure AD that evaluates sign-ins in real time using Azure AD Identity Protection. It analyzes multiple risk signals, including unusual locations, unfamiliar devices, atypical sign-in times, or potentially compromised credentials. Based on these assessments, administrators can configure policies to enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) or block access for high-risk sign-ins, ensuring that users who exhibit suspicious behavior are challenged or denied access, while low-risk users continue without disruption. Device state policies enforce access based on device compliance or domain membership but do not evaluate sign-in risk. Session control manages session duration and activity but does not react to real-time sign-in threats. Security Defaults provide baseline security protections such as mandatory MFA for privileged accounts but lack dynamic, context-aware risk evaluation.
By implementing risk-based Conditional Access, organizations can enforce zero-trust principles by continuously evaluating user behavior and context before granting access. Integration with device compliance, location policies, and Conditional Access ensures a layered security model, balancing usability and risk mitigation. Detailed audit logs capture risk events, user responses, and policy enforcement, providing visibility for compliance and operational governance.
This proactive approach reduces the likelihood of account compromise, mitigates threats, and allows organizations to respond automatically to anomalous sign-ins without manual intervention. Unlike static measures such as Security Defaults or device-based restrictions, risk-based Conditional Access provides dynamic protection based on real-time threat intelligence and user behavior. Organizations benefit from a stronger security posture, improved compliance, and reduced administrative burden, as automated enforcement ensures that risky access is promptly addressed while legitimate access remains seamless.
Question 116:
Which Azure AD feature enables organizations to grant external users access without creating internal accounts while maintaining security?
A) Azure AD B2B collaboration
B) Security Defaults
C) Privileged Identity Management
D) Azure AD Connect
Answer: A
Explanation:
Azure AD B2B (Business-to-Business) collaboration enables organizations to securely provide access to external users while allowing them to authenticate with credentials from their home organization. This approach reduces administrative overhead, as there is no need to create and manage separate internal accounts for external collaborators, while still maintaining organizational security policies. Security Defaults enforce baseline protections like mandatory MFA for privileged users, but they do not facilitate secure guest access or collaboration. Privileged Identity Management manages temporary elevation of administrative roles and auditing, but it does not handle external access. Azure AD Connect synchronizes on-premises accounts to Azure AD but does not enable external authentication.
B2B collaboration integrates seamlessly with Conditional Access, allowing administrators to enforce MFA, device compliance, location-based restrictions, and risk-based controls for guest users. Access Reviews can periodically evaluate guest access, automatically removing permissions for inactive or unnecessary users, helping maintain least privilege. Detailed audit logs track guest activity, approvals, and policy enforcement, supporting governance and compliance. By enabling external users to authenticate with their own credentials, organizations maintain security, reduce administrative complexity, and enhance collaboration.
B2B collaboration aligns with zero-trust principles, continuously evaluating identity and contextual signals before granting access. It ensures that guest users have secure and compliant access while maintaining operational efficiency. Unlike Security Defaults, PIM, or Azure AD Connect, B2B collaboration specifically addresses the secure management of external user access, providing visibility, control, and accountability. Organizations benefit from secure collaboration with partners, improved governance, reduced risk, and simplified administration, making B2B collaboration a critical feature for modern identity management strategies.
Question 117:
Which Azure AD feature enables administrators to periodically review and remove unnecessary user or guest access 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 allow organizations to periodically evaluate user and guest access to ensure that permissions align with the principle of least privilege. Reviewers can be managers, resource owners, or automated processes, and they assess whether access should continue. If users fail to respond or are deemed unnecessary, access can be automatically removed, reducing the risk of stale or over-provisioned accounts.
Security Defaults provide baseline protections such as mandatory MFA but do not include structured access reviews. Privileged Identity Management manages temporary elevation of administrative roles with approvals and auditing but does not govern general access. Azure AD Connect synchronizes on-premises identities but does not facilitate ongoing access governance. Access Reviews can target specific users, groups, or applications, and integration with Conditional Access ensures that policies related to risk, MFA, and device compliance are applied.
Automated reminders and notifications help maintain participation, and audit logs capture all review activity, including approvals, denials, and automatic removals. Implementing Access Reviews reduces risk by eliminating unnecessary access, ensuring accountability, and maintaining secure collaboration. This is especially important for guest users or external collaborators, where permissions may change frequently or become obsolete over time. Access Reviews complement other identity management features such as Conditional Access, MFA, and device compliance to provide a comprehensive governance framework. Unlike Security Defaults, PIM, or Azure AD Connect, Access Reviews specifically focus on periodic evaluation and automated enforcement of least privilege policies, improving security posture, compliance, and operational efficiency. By ensuring access is continuously validated and unnecessary permissions are removed, organizations maintain a secure, compliant, and zero-trust-aligned environment.
Question 118:
Which authentication method allows users to authenticate to cloud resources without storing passwords in the cloud by validating credentials against on-premises Active Directory?
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 hybrid users to authenticate to Azure AD and associated cloud resources using their on-premises Active Directory credentials without storing passwords in the cloud. When a user signs in, credentials are securely transmitted to the on-premises environment for validation, ensuring that sensitive passwords never reside in Azure AD. This reduces exposure to cloud-based attacks, phishing, and credential theft. FIDO2 passwordless authentication eliminates passwords entirely but relies on cryptographic keys rather than validating against on-premises credentials.
Windows Hello for Business provides passwordless authentication tied to a device, using biometrics or a PIN, but does not authenticate directly against on-premises AD credentials. Self-service password reset enables password recovery but does not eliminate password use. PTA supports enforcement of on-premises password policies, lockout rules, and auditing, maintaining consistent security across hybrid environments. Integration with Conditional Access and MFA enhances security by evaluating device compliance, risk, and location during authentication. Audit logs track all authentication events for monitoring, governance, and compliance purposes.
PTA ensures that hybrid users can securely access cloud resources while maintaining centralized control over credentials, reducing administrative burden, improving compliance, and aligning with zero-trust security principles. Unlike FIDO2 or Windows Hello, PTA specifically addresses the hybrid scenario where passwords must remain on-premises but cloud access is required, providing a seamless and secure authentication experience.
Question 119:
Which Conditional Access policy allows administrators to enforce MFA, device compliance, or block access based on user 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 the risk level of user sign-ins in real time using Azure AD Identity Protection. This feature analyzes multiple signals, including unusual locations, unfamiliar devices, anomalous IP addresses, or potentially compromised credentials. Based on these signals, administrators can configure policies to enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA), require compliant devices, or block access entirely for high-risk sign-ins.
Device state policies enforce access restrictions based on device compliance or domain membership but do not evaluate user sign-in risk dynamically. Session control manages ongoing session behavior, including duration and activity monitoring, but does not respond to real-time threat intelligence or sign-in anomalies. Security Defaults provide baseline protections such as mandatory MFA for privileged users but do not provide granular, risk-aware enforcement or dynamic remediation. By implementing risk-based Conditional Access, organizations can maintain a zero-trust approach, challenging only users or devices exhibiting suspicious activity while allowing legitimate access for low-risk scenarios. Integration with device compliance and location-based policies ensures that access decisions incorporate multiple layers of security, creating a comprehensive risk mitigation framework. Detailed audit logs capture risk events, policy enforcement, and user responses, supporting regulatory compliance and operational oversight. Automated enforcement reduces administrative overhead, mitigates the risk of compromised credentials, and strengthens overall security posture. Unlike static controls, risk-based Conditional Access reacts dynamically to evolving threats, ensuring that access decisions reflect the current context of the user, device, and environment.
Organizations benefit from enhanced visibility into risky sign-ins, improved governance, and reduced attack surfaces, while maintaining usability for legitimate users. This feature is particularly valuable in hybrid and cloud environments where user behavior, device compliance, and network conditions can vary significantly. By leveraging risk-based Conditional Access, organizations can enforce context-aware security policies that align with zero-trust principles, ensuring that access is granted only when it is safe, verified, and compliant.
Question 120:
Which Azure AD feature allows administrators to periodically review and remove guest user access to applications or resources automatically?
A) Access Reviews
B) Security Defaults
C) Privileged Identity Management
D) Azure AD Connect
Answer: A
Explanation:
Access Reviews in Azure AD enable administrators to periodically assess guest user access to applications and resources, ensuring that permissions align with the principle of least privilege. This feature is particularly valuable for external collaborators whose roles or responsibilities may change frequently, or who may no longer require access. Administrators can configure reviews to be recurring, such as monthly or quarterly, and can assign reviewers including managers, resource owners, or automated processes. If a guest user fails to respond to a review or if access is deemed unnecessary, the system can automatically remove access, reducing the risk of over-provisioned or stale permissions. Security Defaults enforce baseline protections, such as mandatory multi-factor authentication for privileged accounts, but do not provide periodic access reviews or automated removal.
Privileged Identity Management manages temporary elevation and auditing of administrative roles but does not govern general or guest user access. Azure AD Connect synchronizes on-premises accounts but does not facilitate access governance or periodic reviews. Integration with Conditional Access policies ensures that guest access is evaluated within the context of device compliance, risk, and authentication requirements. Detailed audit logs capture reviewer decisions, automated removals, and guest activity, supporting regulatory compliance and internal governance. By implementing Access Reviews, organizations maintain secure collaboration with external partners while minimizing the administrative burden of manually tracking guest access. This approach aligns with zero-trust principles by continuously validating access and enforcing least privilege policies. Access Reviews complement other identity and security features, such as Conditional Access, MFA, and device compliance, providing a comprehensive framework for access governance. Unlike Security Defaults, PIM, or Azure AD Connect, Access Reviews specifically focus on evaluating and automatically managing user and guest permissions over time. Organizations benefit from improved visibility, reduced risk of unauthorized access, and streamlined governance processes, ensuring that access is always justified, secure, and compliant with organizational policies.