Microsoft SC-100 Cybersecurity Architect Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set 2 Q16-30

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Question16:

An organization wants to secure access to sensitive data for both cloud and on-premises applications while minimizing friction for users. Which solution provides the most effective approach?

A) Microsoft Entra ID Conditional Access with Identity Protection and device compliance
B) Traditional Active Directory password policies without MFA
C) VPN access restricted by IP ranges only
D) Local accounts with manual provisioning and complex passwords

Answer:
A

Explanation:

Option A, Microsoft Entra ID Conditional Access with Identity Protection and device compliance, is the most effective approach for securing access to both cloud and on-premises applications while minimizing user friction. Conditional Access evaluates real-time risk signals, such as user location, device health, login patterns, and anomalous behavior, to dynamically determine whether access should be allowed, blocked, or challenged with additional authentication requirements like MFA. Identity Protection complements this by continuously monitoring for signs of account compromise, unusual sign-ins, or other risk indicators. Device compliance ensures that only endpoints meeting organizational security standards, such as encryption, OS patching, and endpoint protection, can access resources. This combination provides a seamless user experience: low-risk users on compliant devices gain access with minimal friction, while high-risk attempts trigger adaptive controls. The approach scales effectively across hybrid environments, ensuring that both on-premises applications integrated with Azure AD and cloud applications enjoy consistent, risk-aware protection. Enterprises benefit from detailed reporting and auditing, supporting regulatory compliance, operational oversight, and security posture improvements. By applying zero-trust principles, organizations minimize the likelihood of unauthorized access while maintaining productivity for legitimate users.

Option B, traditional Active Directory password policies without MFA, provides only static security. While enforcing password complexity and expiration can reduce some risks associated with credential compromise, these policies are reactive, not proactive. They cannot detect anomalous sign-ins or evaluate device compliance, leaving cloud resources exposed. Password-only authentication is vulnerable to phishing, credential stuffing, and replay attacks. In hybrid environments, this method lacks the ability to protect cloud applications effectively and cannot enforce dynamic, risk-based controls, making it insufficient for modern enterprise security requirements.

Option C, VPN access restricted by IP ranges only, offers network-level restrictions but does not evaluate the identity, device risk, or real-time behavior. A threat actor using stolen credentials within the permitted IP range could still gain access to critical resources. VPN-only security cannot dynamically respond to high-risk conditions or enforce adaptive policies like MFA. Additionally, VPNs do not integrate seamlessly with cloud applications or enforce compliance across hybrid environments, resulting in potential gaps in security coverage.

Option D, local accounts with manual provisioning and complex passwords, is highly impractical and insecure. Manual management of accounts does not scale for distributed workforces, and complex passwords alone cannot prevent account compromise. Local accounts cannot enforce dynamic controls, monitor risky activity, or integrate with cloud applications for centralized governance. This approach introduces administrative overhead, delayed access revocation, and potential orphaned accounts, making it unsuitable for modern enterprise security frameworks.

Question17:

A multinational company wants to enforce least-privilege access and regularly review user permissions across cloud applications. Which solution is the most efficient and compliant?

A) Microsoft Entra ID entitlement management with access reviews
B) Spreadsheet-based manual tracking of permissions
C) VPN access control lists updated quarterly
D) Local accounts with ad hoc permission audits

Answer:
A

Explanation:

Option A, Microsoft Entra ID entitlement management with access reviews, is the most efficient and compliant solution for enforcing least-privilege access. Entitlement management allows organizations to create access packages mapped to specific roles and resources, enabling automated assignment, approval workflows, and dynamic provisioning. Access reviews periodically assess whether users still require access, ensuring that permissions align with current job responsibilities. This automation reduces administrative burden, eliminates orphaned accounts, and mitigates the risk of excessive privileges that could lead to unauthorized access. By integrating with cloud applications, this solution provides centralized monitoring, reporting, and auditing, supporting regulatory compliance and operational oversight. Enterprises can enforce least-privilege principles at scale, ensuring that users receive only the access necessary for their roles. The approach supports both internal and external users, providing a unified mechanism for secure and controlled access.

Option B, spreadsheet-based manual tracking of permissions, is prone to human error and does not scale for large organizations. Spreadsheets require constant manual updates, approvals, and review scheduling, which increases the likelihood of misalignment between actual access and required permissions. Spreadsheets also lack integration with cloud applications, real-time enforcement, and audit logging, making it difficult to demonstrate compliance or respond to regulatory requirements.

Option C, VPN access control lists updated quarterly, provides limited security and no access governance. ACLs control network-level access but cannot manage individual permissions within cloud applications or provide a framework for periodic reviews. Quarterly updates are insufficient for organizations with dynamic roles or frequent personnel changes, and ACLs do not offer centralized monitoring, auditing, or regulatory compliance reporting.

Option D, local accounts with ad hoc permission audits, is inefficient and insecure. Manual audits are irregular and prone to oversight, and local accounts do not provide centralized monitoring or policy enforcement. The lack of automation prevents scaling across cloud applications and exposes organizations to security risks due to orphaned accounts, over-provisioned permissions, and delayed revocation of access.

Question18:

A healthcare provider needs to enable secure remote access for clinicians while maintaining regulatory compliance. Which solution provides the strongest protection?

A) Microsoft Entra ID Conditional Access with device compliance and risk-based policies
B) Traditional Active Directory password policies without MFA
C) VPN access limited to corporate networks
D) Local accounts with complex passwords and no monitoring

Answer:
A

Explanation:

Option A, Microsoft Entra ID Conditional Access with device compliance and risk-based policies, provides the strongest protection for healthcare organizations requiring secure remote access. Conditional Access evaluates user sign-ins based on risk, device health, location, and behavioral patterns, enabling adaptive responses such as requiring MFA or blocking access. Device compliance ensures only authorized and secure endpoints can access sensitive patient data. Risk-based policies dynamically adjust access requirements based on detected threats, protecting against compromised accounts, unusual logins, and non-compliant devices. This approach supports HIPAA, HITECH, and other healthcare regulations by providing continuous monitoring, auditing, and control over sensitive data. It allows clinicians to work remotely efficiently without compromising security, and organizations benefit from detailed reporting and visibility into access patterns. By applying zero-trust principles, enterprises minimize risk exposure while maintaining operational effectiveness in telehealth and hybrid work scenarios.

Option B, traditional Active Directory password policies without MFA, is insufficient for protecting patient data. Password-only authentication cannot prevent phishing, credential theft, or account compromise. Static policies do not respond to real-time threats or assess device compliance, leaving healthcare systems vulnerable to unauthorized access and regulatory violations.

Option C, VPN access limited to corporate networks, provides only network-level security and does not consider user identity, device compliance, or risk signals. Compromised credentials could still grant access from allowed networks, and VPN restrictions cannot enforce adaptive controls or support regulatory auditing requirements.

Option D, local accounts with complex passwords and no monitoring, are highly insecure. Manual account management does not scale, and complex passwords alone cannot prevent unauthorized access. Local accounts cannot integrate with cloud applications, enforce dynamic policies, or provide auditing, leaving sensitive patient data at risk.

Question19:

An enterprise wants to secure collaboration with external partners while maintaining control over access and auditing usage. Which solution is best suited for this scenario?

A) Microsoft Entra B2B collaboration with Conditional Access and periodic access reviews
B) SharePoint on-premises with unrestricted sharing links
C) Manual email approvals for each shared document
D) Local accounts for external collaborators without monitoring

Answer:
A

Explanation:

Option A, Microsoft Entra B2B collaboration with Conditional Access and periodic access reviews, is best suited for secure external collaboration. B2B collaboration allows external partners to be invited into the organization’s directory securely, enabling centralized identity management and consistent enforcement of policies. Conditional Access evaluates risk signals, device compliance, and user behavior to ensure that external users access only permitted resources. Periodic access reviews ensure that external collaborators retain access only for the required duration, supporting regulatory compliance and reducing the risk of unauthorized data exposure. This approach scales effectively across multiple partners and projects, maintaining both security and operational efficiency. Audit trails and reporting provide oversight of external activity, enabling organizations to meet governance requirements while facilitating collaboration.

Option B, SharePoint on-premises with unrestricted sharing links, is insecure because links grant access to anyone who possesses the URL, bypassing authentication, risk assessment, and monitoring. There is no auditing or control over how long access persists, leading to potential data leaks and compliance violations.

Option C, manual email approvals for each shared document, is inefficient and error-prone. While it introduces some control, it cannot scale for frequent collaborations and lacks automated monitoring and auditing. Once access is granted, there is no mechanism to ensure timely revocation, creating potential security risks.

Option D, local accounts for external collaborators without monitoring, is impractical and insecure. Manual account creation is labor-intensive, and without monitoring or reviews, external users may retain access longer than necessary. Local accounts cannot integrate with cloud security solutions or enforce centralized policies, making this approach unsuitable for modern secure collaboration.

Question20:

A global enterprise wants to implement a zero-trust security model for identity and access management across all applications and devices. Which approach provides the most comprehensive coverage?

A) Microsoft Entra ID Conditional Access with Identity Protection and device compliance
B) Traditional Active Directory password policies
C) VPN access restricted to corporate networks
D) Local accounts with manual provisioning

Answer:
A

Explanation:

Option A, Microsoft Entra ID Conditional Access with Identity Protection and device compliance, provides the most comprehensive coverage for implementing a zero-trust security model. Conditional Access evaluates multiple signals, including user identity, device compliance, location, and behavior patterns, to enforce adaptive access policies. Identity Protection detects suspicious activity, compromised accounts, and high-risk sign-ins. Device compliance ensures that only secure, approved devices can access corporate resources. By combining adaptive access controls, risk detection, and device compliance, organizations enforce a zero-trust approach where no user or device is trusted by default. Detailed auditing, reporting, and monitoring support compliance requirements and provide visibility into security posture. This cloud-native approach seamlessly protects hybrid and cloud applications while enabling secure productivity for global workforces. Adaptive policies, such as MFA or access blocking, are applied dynamically, ensuring that access is continuously assessed and aligned with the organization’s security requirements.

Option B, traditional Active Directory password policies, offers limited security. Static password policies do not detect high-risk behavior, enforce device compliance, or adapt to changes in risk. This approach is insufficient for implementing a zero-trust model and cannot scale effectively in cloud environments.

Option C, VPN access restricted to corporate networks, provides network-level security but does not evaluate identity, device compliance, or risk signals. Users could access applications from compromised devices within allowed networks, which violates zero-trust principles.

Option D, local accounts with manual provisioning, is highly insecure and not scalable. Manual account management does not allow centralized monitoring, auditing, or dynamic policy enforcement. This approach leaves enterprise resources vulnerable to unauthorized access and cannot support a zero-trust security model.

Question21:

A multinational enterprise wants to implement real-time identity risk assessment to detect and respond to suspicious sign-ins across all cloud applications. Which solution is most effective?

A) Microsoft Entra ID Identity Protection with Conditional Access risk-based policies
B) Traditional Active Directory password expiration policies
C) VPN access with static IP restrictions
D) Local accounts with complex passwords and no monitoring

Answer:
A

Explanation:

Option A, Microsoft Entra ID Identity Protection with Conditional Access risk-based policies, is the most effective solution for real-time identity risk assessment. Identity Protection continuously evaluates multiple risk signals such as unusual sign-in locations, anomalous device usage, atypical behavior patterns, and potentially compromised credentials. When risk is detected, Conditional Access policies can enforce adaptive responses such as requiring multi-factor authentication (MFA), blocking access, or forcing a password reset. This proactive approach enables enterprises to detect suspicious activity as it occurs and respond immediately, reducing the likelihood of account compromise or unauthorized access. Identity Protection provides analytics and reporting to track trends, investigate incidents, and fine-tune policies. By integrating with Conditional Access, organizations gain dynamic, context-aware enforcement that scales across cloud and hybrid environments. This approach supports regulatory compliance, operational oversight, and zero-trust principles, ensuring that sensitive applications and data are only accessed by verified, low-risk users.

Option B, traditional Active Directory password expiration policies, is reactive rather than proactive. Periodic password changes do not evaluate user behavior, detect suspicious sign-ins, or enforce adaptive access controls. Password-only authentication cannot prevent account compromise through phishing, credential stuffing, or leaked passwords, making this approach inadequate for real-time identity risk management.

Option C, VPN access with static IP restrictions, provides network-level security but does not assess user identity, device compliance, or behavior risk. Users with stolen credentials could still access resources from permitted IP ranges. VPN restrictions cannot dynamically adapt to risky conditions or enforce real-time controls, leaving enterprises exposed to potential threats.

Option D, local accounts with complex passwords and no monitoring, is highly insecure and inefficient. Manual management of local accounts does not provide centralized monitoring, auditing, or adaptive controls. Complex passwords alone do not prevent unauthorized access, and without risk assessment, compromised accounts can remain undetected, leaving sensitive resources vulnerable.

Question22:

A healthcare organization wants to enable secure cloud access for clinicians while ensuring compliance with HIPAA regulations. Which solution provides the strongest protection?

A) Microsoft Entra ID Conditional Access with device compliance and risk-based policies
B) Traditional Active Directory password policies without MFA
C) VPN access restricted to corporate IP ranges
D) Local accounts with complex passwords and no monitoring

Answer:
A

Explanation:

Option A, Microsoft Entra ID Conditional Access with device compliance and risk-based policies, provides the strongest protection for healthcare organizations requiring secure cloud access. Conditional Access evaluates each sign-in attempt based on user identity, device health, location, and detected risks. Device compliance ensures that only managed, secure endpoints can access sensitive healthcare data, such as electronic health records. Risk-based policies dynamically enforce multi-factor authentication or block access when high-risk activity is detected, reducing the likelihood of unauthorized access. This approach supports HIPAA compliance by providing continuous monitoring, audit trails, and reporting of access to sensitive data. It allows clinicians to access necessary applications remotely without compromising security, enabling telehealth operations, hybrid work, and secure patient care. The adaptive nature of Conditional Access ensures that legitimate users experience minimal friction while suspicious activity triggers immediate protective measures, aligning with zero-trust principles.

Option B, traditional Active Directory password policies without MFA, is insufficient for protecting sensitive patient data. Password-only authentication cannot mitigate threats such as phishing, credential theft, or account compromise. Static policies do not evaluate device compliance or risk signals and cannot respond dynamically to threats, leaving patient data exposed and non-compliant with HIPAA regulations.

Option C, VPN access restricted to corporate IP ranges, provides network-level security but cannot evaluate device health, detect anomalies, or enforce adaptive authentication. A compromised account within allowed IP ranges could still access sensitive healthcare data. VPN-only solutions do not integrate with cloud applications for centralized governance and auditing, making them insufficient for HIPAA compliance.

Option D, local accounts with complex passwords and no monitoring, are highly insecure. Local accounts are difficult to manage at scale and cannot enforce adaptive security controls or provide audit logging. Even with complex passwords, unauthorized access can occur without detection. This approach is unsuitable for healthcare organizations needing regulatory compliance and secure cloud access.

Question23:

A global enterprise wants to enforce least-privilege access and regularly review user permissions across hybrid and cloud applications. Which solution provides the most scalable and compliant approach?

A) Microsoft Entra ID entitlement management with access reviews
B) Manual spreadsheets tracking user permissions
C) VPN access control lists updated quarterly
D) Local accounts with ad hoc permission audits

Answer:
A

Explanation:

Option A, Microsoft Entra ID entitlement management with access reviews, provides the most scalable and compliant approach for enforcing least-privilege access. Entitlement management enables organizations to create access packages that are mapped to specific roles and resources, allowing automated assignment, approval workflows, and dynamic provisioning. Periodic access reviews ensure that permissions remain appropriate as users change roles or leave the organization. This automation reduces the administrative burden, prevents orphaned accounts, and minimizes the risk of over-provisioned privileges that could lead to unauthorized access. Integration with cloud applications ensures centralized monitoring, auditing, and reporting, supporting compliance requirements such as GDPR, SOX, and HIPAA. This approach enables enterprises to maintain the principle of least privilege at scale across hybrid environments while providing operational efficiency and visibility into access patterns.

Option B, manual spreadsheets tracking user permissions, is error-prone and does not scale effectively. Spreadsheets require manual updates and approvals, introducing human error and increasing the risk of outdated or inappropriate access. There is no integration with cloud applications, real-time enforcement, or automated auditing, making it difficult to demonstrate compliance and maintain security at scale.

Option C, VPN access control lists updated quarterly, provides network-level control but does not enforce least-privilege access within applications. Quarterly updates are insufficient for dynamic roles and do not ensure compliance with organizational policies. ACLs do not provide centralized monitoring, auditing, or reporting capabilities, making them inadequate for hybrid and cloud access governance.

Option D, local accounts with ad hoc permission audits, is inefficient and insecure. Manual audits are irregular and prone to oversight, and local accounts cannot provide centralized control, monitoring, or policy enforcement. This approach cannot scale for large enterprises and exposes sensitive resources to the risk of unauthorized access.

Question24:

An enterprise wants to enable secure external collaboration while ensuring access is controlled, monitored, and compliant with regulatory requirements. Which solution is most suitable?

A) Microsoft Entra B2B collaboration with Conditional Access and access reviews
B) SharePoint on-premises with unrestricted sharing links
C) Manual email approvals for each external document
D) Local accounts for external collaborators without monitoring

Answer:
A

Explanation:

Option A, Microsoft Entra B2B collaboration with Conditional Access and access reviews, is most suitable for secure and compliant external collaboration. B2B collaboration allows external partners to securely access resources by integrating them into the organization’s directory. Conditional Access evaluates risk signals, device compliance, and user behavior before granting access, enforcing MFA or blocking high-risk sign-ins. Access reviews ensure that external collaborators retain access only as long as necessary, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or over-exposure of sensitive data. This approach scales efficiently, maintains audit logs, supports regulatory compliance, and reduces administrative burden. Organizations can enforce consistent policies across multiple external partners and projects while maintaining operational efficiency and security.

Option B, SharePoint on-premises with unrestricted sharing links, is highly insecure. Open links allow anyone with the URL to access resources, bypassing authentication, risk evaluation, and auditing. There is no control over access duration, and regulatory compliance cannot be demonstrated.

Option C, manual email approvals for each external document, introduces some control but is inefficient and error-prone. It does not scale for frequent external collaborations and does not provide automated monitoring, auditing, or ongoing review of access, increasing the risk of security and compliance violations.

Option D, local accounts for external collaborators without monitoring, is impractical and insecure. Manual account management is labor-intensive, and without monitoring or access reviews, external users may retain access unnecessarily. Local accounts do not integrate with cloud security solutions, enforce centralized policies, or provide audit trails, making them unsuitable for modern secure collaboration.

Question25:

A global enterprise wants to implement a cloud-native zero-trust security model to protect identity and access across all applications and devices. Which solution provides the most comprehensive coverage?
A) Microsoft Entra ID Conditional Access with Identity Protection and device compliance
B) Traditional Active Directory password policies
C) VPN access restricted to corporate networks
D) Local accounts with manual provisioning

Answer:
A

Explanation:

Option A, Microsoft Entra ID Conditional Access with Identity Protection and device compliance, provides the most comprehensive coverage for a cloud-native zero-trust security model. Conditional Access evaluates multiple risk signals, including user identity, device compliance, location, and behavioral anomalies, to enforce adaptive policies. Identity Protection continuously monitors for compromised accounts, unusual sign-ins, and high-risk activities. Device compliance ensures that only secure and approved endpoints can access corporate resources. This approach applies zero-trust principles, where no user or device is trusted by default, and access is granted based on real-time risk assessment. Adaptive controls, such as MFA or access blocking, are enforced dynamically based on detected risks. Detailed auditing, reporting, and monitoring support compliance requirements and provide visibility into enterprise security posture. By integrating identity protection, adaptive access, and device compliance, organizations achieve end-to-end security across hybrid and cloud environments while enabling secure productivity.

Option B, traditional Active Directory password policies, provides limited security. Password-only policies do not enforce adaptive controls, detect risky behavior, or ensure device compliance. This static approach is insufficient for zero-trust security and cannot scale across cloud applications.

Option C, VPN access restricted to corporate networks, provides network-level security but does not evaluate user identity, device risk, or real-time behavior. Threat actors could access applications from compromised devices within permitted networks, violating zero-trust principles.

Option D, local accounts with manual provisioning, is highly insecure and not scalable. Manual account management does not provide centralized monitoring, auditing, or dynamic policy enforcement. This approach leaves enterprise resources vulnerable and cannot support a zero-trust security model.

Question26:

A multinational organization wants to implement adaptive access policies that evaluate risk signals from user behavior, device compliance, and geolocation. Which solution provides the most effective protection?

A) Microsoft Entra ID Conditional Access with Identity Protection and device compliance
B) Traditional Active Directory password expiration policies
C) VPN access restricted by static IP addresses
D) Local accounts with manual provisioning and complex passwords

Answer:
A

Explanation:

Option A, Microsoft Entra ID Conditional Access with Identity Protection and device compliance, is the most effective solution for adaptive access based on risk signals. Conditional Access evaluates multiple inputs in real time, including user location, device compliance, login patterns, and behavioral anomalies, to determine the level of risk associated with each sign-in attempt. Identity Protection provides additional monitoring for potentially compromised accounts, suspicious sign-ins, and unusual activity, enabling enterprises to respond immediately to threats. When risk is detected, Conditional Access can enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA), block access, or require password resets, ensuring only authorized and low-risk users can access corporate resources. Device compliance ensures that endpoints meet organizational security standards, including encryption, OS patching, and endpoint protection. This adaptive approach reduces the likelihood of unauthorized access, aligns with zero-trust principles, and maintains operational efficiency for legitimate users. Organizations benefit from centralized monitoring, auditing, and reporting, supporting regulatory compliance and providing visibility into access patterns across cloud and hybrid environments. By integrating risk evaluation, adaptive controls, and device compliance, enterprises can secure sensitive resources while minimizing disruption for legitimate users.

Option B, traditional Active Directory password expiration policies, provides only static, reactive protection. Password policies alone cannot evaluate real-time risk or respond dynamically to unusual user behavior. While periodic password changes can reduce the window of vulnerability, they do not detect suspicious activity or enforce multi-factor authentication. Password-only security cannot prevent phishing, credential theft, or reuse of compromised credentials, making this approach insufficient for modern enterprises seeking adaptive security.

Option C, VPN access restricted by static IP addresses, provides network-level controls but does not evaluate identity, device compliance, or behavioral risk. A threat actor using stolen credentials within permitted IP ranges could still access resources. VPN restrictions do not offer adaptive enforcement or auditing, leaving critical resources exposed to compromise. Additionally, VPN-only solutions do not integrate with cloud applications for centralized governance, limiting their effectiveness in modern hybrid environments.

Option D, local accounts with manual provisioning and complex passwords, is highly insecure and impractical. Manual account management increases administrative burden, is error-prone, and cannot scale for distributed workforces. Complex passwords alone do not prevent unauthorized access, and local accounts cannot enforce adaptive policies, risk-based evaluation, or centralized monitoring. This approach leaves enterprise resources vulnerable and does not support modern security frameworks.

Question27:

A healthcare provider wants to allow clinicians to securely access cloud applications remotely while maintaining HIPAA compliance. Which solution is most appropriate?

Answer:
A

Explanation:

Option A, Microsoft Entra ID Conditional Access with device compliance and risk-based policies, provides the most appropriate solution for healthcare organizations requiring secure remote access. Conditional Access evaluates sign-ins based on user identity, device health, location, and risk signals, enabling adaptive responses such as requiring multi-factor authentication or blocking access for high-risk sign-ins. Device compliance ensures only authorized, secure endpoints can access sensitive healthcare data like electronic health records. Risk-based policies adapt to suspicious activity, reducing the likelihood of unauthorized access and protecting against compromised accounts. This approach supports HIPAA compliance by providing auditing, monitoring, and reporting of access activity. Clinicians can access cloud applications remotely without compromising security, supporting telehealth, hybrid work, and secure patient care. The solution balances usability and protection, allowing low-risk users to access resources seamlessly while enforcing strict controls for higher-risk scenarios. Adaptive, cloud-native enforcement aligns with zero-trust principles and ensures continuous protection for sensitive healthcare data across hybrid environments.

Option B, traditional Active Directory password policies without MFA, is insufficient for healthcare security. Password-only authentication cannot prevent credential theft, phishing, or account compromise. Static password policies do not evaluate risk signals or device compliance, leaving patient data exposed and regulatory compliance unmet.

Option C, VPN access limited to corporate networks, provides network-level security but cannot enforce device compliance, evaluate risk signals, or support auditing required for HIPAA. Compromised credentials could still allow unauthorized access within allowed IP ranges, making VPN-only solutions inadequate for healthcare compliance.

Option D, local accounts with complex passwords and no monitoring, are highly insecure. Local accounts cannot enforce adaptive policies, monitor activity, or provide auditing. Even with strong passwords, unauthorized access is possible, making this approach unsuitable for healthcare organizations requiring regulatory compliance and cloud access.

Question28:

A global enterprise wants to enforce least-privilege access for employees and regularly review user permissions across cloud applications. Which solution provides the most scalable and compliant approach?

Answer:
A

Explanation:

Option A, Microsoft Entra ID entitlement management with access reviews, provides the most scalable and compliant approach for least-privilege enforcement. Entitlement management allows administrators to create access packages mapped to specific roles and resources, with automated assignment and approval workflows. Access reviews ensure that user permissions remain aligned with current responsibilities, removing unnecessary or outdated access. This automation reduces administrative burden, prevents orphaned accounts, and mitigates the risk of excessive privileges. Integration with cloud applications enables centralized monitoring, reporting, and auditing, supporting compliance with regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and SOX. Enterprises can enforce least-privilege principles across hybrid and cloud environments, ensuring operational efficiency, security, and governance. Periodic reviews provide transparency and accountability, allowing organizations to demonstrate compliance and maintain strict control over sensitive resources.

Option B, manual spreadsheets tracking user permissions, is error-prone and does not scale effectively. Manual updates require constant attention, introduce the potential for mistakes, and fail to provide real-time enforcement. Spreadsheets do not integrate with cloud applications or provide auditing capabilities, making compliance demonstration difficult.

Option C, VPN access control lists updated quarterly, offers only network-level control and does not manage application-level permissions. Quarterly updates are too infrequent for dynamic organizations, leaving users with inappropriate access for extended periods. ACLs do not provide centralized monitoring or reporting, limiting their effectiveness in enforcing least privilege.

Option D, local accounts with ad hoc permission audits, is inefficient and insecure. Audits are irregular and prone to human error. Local accounts cannot integrate with cloud applications, provide centralized control, or scale across large organizations, exposing sensitive resources to potential misuse.

Question29:

An enterprise wants to enable secure collaboration with external partners while controlling access and monitoring usage. Which solution is most suitable?

Answer:
A

Explanation:

Option A, Microsoft Entra B2B collaboration with Conditional Access and access reviews, is most suitable for secure external collaboration. B2B collaboration allows external partners to access resources through centralized identity management. Conditional Access evaluates risk signals, device compliance, and user behavior, enforcing adaptive policies like MFA or blocking high-risk sign-ins. Access reviews ensure that external collaborators retain access only as long as necessary, reducing exposure to unauthorized access. This solution provides audit logs and reporting for regulatory compliance, scales efficiently across multiple partners and projects, and minimizes administrative overhead. Organizations can maintain security while facilitating productive collaboration, ensuring that sensitive resources remain protected without hindering partner interactions.

Option B, SharePoint on-premises with unrestricted sharing links, is insecure. Open links bypass authentication and risk evaluation, providing uncontrolled access. There is no auditing, time-bound access, or compliance enforcement, increasing the risk of data leaks.

Option C, manual email approvals for each document, introduces some control but is inefficient and error-prone. It does not scale for frequent collaborations and lacks automated monitoring or access review, making it inadequate for secure and compliant external collaboration.

Option D, local accounts for external collaborators without monitoring, is impractical and insecure. Manual account management is labor-intensive, cannot scale, and provides no auditing or centralized enforcement. External users may retain access longer than necessary, exposing sensitive resources.

Question30:

A multinational enterprise wants to implement a cloud-native zero-trust security model to protect identity and access across all applications and devices. Which solution provides the most comprehensive coverage?

Answer:
A

Explanation:

Option A, Microsoft Entra ID Conditional Access with Identity Protection and device compliance, provides the most comprehensive coverage for a cloud-native zero-trust security model. Conditional Access evaluates multiple risk signals, including user identity, device compliance, location, and behavioral anomalies, to enforce adaptive access policies. Identity Protection continuously monitors for compromised accounts, unusual sign-ins, and high-risk activities. Device compliance ensures that only secure, approved devices can access corporate resources. This approach embodies zero-trust principles, where no user or device is trusted by default, and access is granted based on continuous risk assessment. Adaptive controls such as MFA or access blocking are applied dynamically according to detected threats. Detailed auditing, reporting, and monitoring enable compliance with regulatory requirements and provide visibility into enterprise security posture. By integrating identity protection, adaptive access, and device compliance, organizations achieve end-to-end protection across hybrid and cloud environments while maintaining secure productivity for global workforces.

Option B, traditional Active Directory password policies, provides limited security. Password policies alone cannot detect high-risk behavior, enforce adaptive access, or ensure device compliance. This static approach is insufficient for zero-trust and cannot scale for cloud environments.

Option C, VPN access restricted to corporate networks, offers network-level security but does not evaluate user identity, device risk, or behavioral anomalies. Compromised credentials or insecure devices within permitted networks could still access applications, violating zero-trust principles.

Option D, local accounts with manual provisioning, is highly insecure and not scalable. Manual account management cannot provide centralized monitoring, auditing, or adaptive policy enforcement, leaving enterprise resources vulnerable and failing to support a zero-trust model.

Option A, Microsoft Entra ID Conditional Access with Identity Protection and device compliance, represents the most effective and comprehensive security approach for modern organizations operating in hybrid and cloud environments. Unlike traditional security methods, which often rely on static defenses, this solution embodies a dynamic, risk-aware security posture that aligns closely with zero-trust principles. Zero-trust is based on the premise that no user, device, or network segment is inherently trusted. Instead, every access attempt is continuously evaluated using multiple signals to determine risk, ensuring that access is granted only under secure and verified conditions. Conditional Access operates at this core, assessing a variety of factors such as user identity, the risk profile of the sign-in attempt, device compliance status, geolocation, and historical user behavior. By continuously analyzing these signals in real time, organizations can apply adaptive security controls, dynamically adjusting the level of scrutiny or enforcement based on the risk level associated with each sign-in or access attempt. This granular and context-aware approach ensures that legitimate users can maintain productivity while malicious attempts are blocked or challenged, significantly reducing the potential attack surface.

Identity Protection complements Conditional Access by actively monitoring for signs of compromised accounts or risky sign-in behaviors. It uses advanced machine learning and behavioral analytics to identify unusual activities such as logins from unexpected locations, anomalous device usage, or patterns consistent with credential theft. When high-risk activity is detected, Identity Protection can trigger adaptive controls, including multi-factor authentication or temporary account restrictions, effectively stopping attacks before they escalate. This proactive detection and response mechanism provides a level of visibility and intervention that is not possible with static security methods. The integration of device compliance adds another layer of security by ensuring that only devices meeting organizational security standards can access sensitive resources. This includes evaluating device health, encryption status, endpoint protection, operating system updates, and configuration compliance. By enforcing these standards, organizations ensure that the security of the access point itself is validated, reducing the risk of compromised or vulnerable devices being used to access critical data.

The combination of these components provides a unified, cloud-native solution that supports global operations and hybrid work environments. Conditional Access policies are flexible and scalable, allowing security teams to define rules that consider the risk profile of the user, the device, and the application being accessed. These policies can enforce multi-factor authentication for high-risk scenarios, restrict access to specific applications, require compliant devices, or even block access altogether when risk thresholds are exceeded. By doing so, the organization maintains operational agility while enforcing security controls in real time. In addition to enforcement, Microsoft Entra ID provides detailed logging, monitoring, and reporting capabilities. Security teams gain visibility into access patterns, risk events, policy enforcement actions, and compliance status. This transparency is crucial for both internal security oversight and regulatory compliance, as it allows organizations to demonstrate adherence to policies and quickly respond to incidents. Moreover, automated reporting reduces the administrative burden associated with manual tracking, enabling IT and security teams to focus on proactive security management rather than reactive troubleshooting.

Option B, traditional Active Directory password policies, relies primarily on static credential controls. While enforcing strong password requirements, rotation, and complexity rules can mitigate some low-level threats, this approach lacks the dynamic, adaptive mechanisms necessary for defending against modern attacks. Passwords alone cannot detect suspicious sign-ins, evaluate device compliance, or respond to behavioral anomalies. They are inherently reactive; once credentials are compromised, an attacker may gain unrestricted access until the breach is detected. This makes password policies insufficient for zero-trust security models, which require continuous verification and context-aware access management. Additionally, as organizations increasingly adopt cloud services and support remote or hybrid workforces, traditional password policies struggle to scale effectively. Users accessing resources outside the corporate network may bypass these controls or encounter friction that leads to unsafe workarounds, such as reusing passwords or storing them insecurely.

Option C, VPN access restricted to corporate networks, addresses security primarily at the network layer rather than the identity or device layer. VPNs can enforce that connections originate from trusted network locations, but they do not inherently evaluate the security posture of the connecting device or the authenticity of the user beyond basic credentials. This creates a false sense of security; compromised devices or credentials can still gain access to sensitive applications within the network perimeter. Moreover, VPNs often introduce operational friction, particularly for global or remote workforces, as users must connect through a specific network path, potentially impacting productivity. VPNs are also limited in their ability to apply context-aware, risk-based policies. Unlike Conditional Access, VPNs cannot dynamically enforce multi-factor authentication, restrict access to specific applications, or block sessions in response to anomalous activity. In modern, cloud-first environments, where users and applications are distributed, VPNs alone are insufficient to enforce zero-trust security principles.

Option D, local accounts with manual provisioning, represents the least secure and least scalable approach among the four options. Manual account management is prone to errors, inconsistencies, and delays, making it difficult to maintain a secure, compliant environment. There is no centralized visibility into user activity, access permissions, or account status, leaving the organization vulnerable to unauthorized access. Manual provisioning does not support adaptive security controls, real-time monitoring, or automated policy enforcement, and it is labor-intensive, particularly in large or growing enterprises. Because of these limitations, local accounts cannot effectively enforce zero-trust principles, leaving both cloud and on-premises resources exposed to risk.

Microsoft SC-100 Cybersecurity Architect Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set 2 Q16-30

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