Microsoft SC-900 Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set 12 Q166-180
Visit here for our full Microsoft SC-900 exam dumps and practice test questions.
Question 166
A company wants to monitor all user sign-ins and detect unusual login patterns to prevent potential account compromise. Which service should they implement?
A) Microsoft Entra Identity Protection
B) Microsoft Purview Audit
C) Microsoft Intune Compliance Policies
D) Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps
Correct Answer: A) Microsoft Entra Identity Protection
Explanation
Microsoft Entra Identity Protection is the correct solution because it provides risk-based conditional access and continuous monitoring of user sign-ins. It can detect atypical login behaviors, such as sign-ins from unfamiliar locations, impossible travel between locations, or login attempts from anonymous IP addresses. Administrators can define automated remediation actions, such as requiring MFA or blocking access when risk levels exceed a threshold.
Microsoft Purview Audit provides detailed logs of user and administrative activity, but does not analyze patterns or calculate risk scores in real time.
Intune Compliance Policies ensure that devices meet security and configuration requirements, but cannot detect unusual sign-in behaviors or assess identity risks.
Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps can monitor cloud application activity and risky sessions, but does not provide comprehensive identity risk scoring or automated remediation for sign-ins.
By using Entra Identity Protection, organizations can proactively detect compromised credentials, prevent unauthorized access, and reduce the risk of security breaches while maintaining a seamless user experience for low-risk sign-ins.
Question 167
A company wants to ensure mobile devices are compliant before accessing corporate resources. Which solution should they implement?
A) Microsoft Intune Compliance Policies
B) Microsoft Entra Conditional Access
C) Microsoft Purview Information Protection
D) Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Correct Answer: A) Microsoft Intune Compliance Policies
Explanation
Microsoft Intune Compliance Policies is the correct solution because it allows administrators to define rules that devices must meet before accessing corporate resources. Policies can require encryption, PIN or password, updated OS versions, or restricted apps. Devices that fail compliance checks can be blocked from accessing corporate email, SharePoint, or Teams.
Conditional Access can enforce access restrictions based on device compliance, but relies on Intune to evaluate compliance status.
Purview Information Protection classifies and labels data but does not enforce device compliance.
Defender for Endpoint protects devices from malware and threats, but does not determine compliance for access policies.
Intune ensures that only secure, compliant devices can connect to corporate resources, reducing the risk of data breaches or unauthorized access.
Question 168
A company wants to detect potential phishing attacks in email before they reach users. Which service should they use?
A) Microsoft Defender for Office 365
B) Microsoft Purview Information Protection
C) Microsoft Entra Identity Protection
D) Microsoft Intune
Correct Answer: A) Microsoft Defender for Office 365
Explanation
Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is the correct solution because it provides advanced threat protection for email and collaboration tools. It can detect phishing attempts, malicious attachments, and unsafe links. Administrators can configure real-time scanning, quarantine, and user notifications.
Purview Information Protection classifies sensitive data but does not analyze emails for phishing threats.
Entra Identity Protection monitors identity risks but does not scan email content.
Intune manages device compliance and security policies, but does not provide email threat protection.
Defender for Office 365 ensures that users are protected from phishing campaigns, malware, and business email compromise attacks, helping maintain organizational security and regulatory compliance.
Question 169
An organization wants to restrict access to SharePoint and Teams data based on location and device compliance. Which solution should they implement?
A) Microsoft Entra Conditional Access
B) Microsoft Intune Compliance Policies
C) Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention
D) Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps
Correct Answer: A) Microsoft Entra Conditional Access
Explanation
Microsoft Entra Conditional Access is a critical component of a modern security strategy, enabling organizations to enforce intelligent access controls based on a variety of contextual signals. By evaluating factors such as user identity, geographic location, device compliance status, and risk level, Conditional Access allows administrators to define policies that ensure only trusted users and devices can access corporate resources. This dynamic approach to access management helps protect sensitive applications and data while still allowing employees to remain productive in a secure environment.
One of the primary strengths of Conditional Access is its ability to enforce multi-factor authentication for high-risk sign-ins or access to sensitive applications. For example, if a user attempts to access SharePoint, Teams, or other critical corporate services from an unfamiliar location or device, Conditional Access can require additional verification steps, such as an MFA challenge. Similarly, access can be blocked entirely from untrusted networks or restricted to devices that meet compliance requirements defined through Intune. By leveraging these controls, organizations can reduce the likelihood of unauthorized access caused by stolen credentials, compromised accounts, or insecure devices.
Conditional Access policies are highly flexible and can be tailored to the organization’s specific security needs. Administrators can create rules based on individual users or roles, group membership, application type, or even risk signals generated by Microsoft Entra Identity Protection. This enables organizations to apply stricter controls to high-privilege accounts, sensitive applications, or critical business workflows, while allowing lower-risk access for routine tasks. The granularity of these policies ensures that security measures are applied in a targeted, risk-aware manner, minimizing disruption to legitimate users while protecting corporate data.
While other Microsoft security solutions play important roles in protecting organizational resources, they do not provide the same adaptive, context-aware access controls. Intune Compliance Policies, for instance, help ensure that devices meet organizational security standards, such as encryption, patching, and configuration compliance. However, Intune alone cannot enforce application-level access rules based on device or user conditions. Purview Data Loss Prevention protects sensitive content by detecting and blocking the sharing of confidential information, but it does not manage access to applications or enforce security policies based on location, device, or user risk. Defender for Cloud Apps offers visibility into cloud app usage and can detect risky behaviors, yet it does not actively enforce access restrictions in real time based on the contextual factors that Conditional Access evaluates.
By combining Conditional Access with other Microsoft security tools, organizations can create a layered, adaptive security strategy that addresses both identity and data protection. Conditional Access ensures that corporate applications and data are only accessed under secure conditions, minimizing the risk of data leakage and account compromise. At the same time, employees can continue to work productively across approved devices and trusted networks, without unnecessary friction or interruptions.
Microsoft Entra Conditional Access is an essential tool for securing access to critical applications and corporate data. Its ability to enforce policies based on user location, device compliance, and risk level, along with features such as multi-factor authentication and access blocking, allows organizations to implement a dynamic and context-aware approach to access management. By ensuring that resources are only accessed under secure conditions, Conditional Access protects sensitive information while enabling employees to remain productive, making it a cornerstone of modern identity and access management strategies.
Question 170
A company wants to apply encryption automatically to sensitive files stored in OneDrive and SharePoint. Which solution should they implement?
A) Microsoft Purview Information Protection (MIP)
B) Microsoft Entra Conditional Access
C) Microsoft Intune Compliance Policies
D) Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Correct Answer: A) Microsoft Purview Information Protection (MIP)
Explanation
Microsoft Purview Information Protection (MIP) is a robust solution designed to help organizations safeguard sensitive data by classifying, labeling, and automatically encrypting files stored in OneDrive, SharePoint, and other Microsoft 365 services. In today’s digital environment, where data often moves across devices, applications, and cloud services, protecting information both at rest and in transit is critical. MIP provides a comprehensive framework for ensuring that sensitive organizational data remains secure, even when it is shared externally or accessed by multiple users.
One of the key capabilities of MIP is its ability to classify and label data according to its sensitivity. Organizations can define labels based on regulatory requirements, internal security policies, or business needs. These labels can be applied manually by users, allowing them to mark documents according to their content, or automatically through content inspection rules that identify sensitive information such as financial records, personally identifiable information, or proprietary intellectual property. By automating classification and labeling, MIP reduces the risk of human error and ensures consistent protection across all files, regardless of where they are stored.
Once a label is applied, MIP can enforce protective actions, including automatic encryption. Encrypted files remain secure even if they are shared outside the organization, ensuring that only authorized users can access the content. This encryption persists with the document, meaning that protection travels with the file itself rather than relying solely on the storage location. As a result, organizations can maintain compliance with regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, or industry-specific data protection standards, while minimizing the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches.
While other Microsoft security tools provide valuable protection, they do not offer the same comprehensive approach to data-level encryption and classification as MIP. Conditional Access, for example, is focused on controlling user access to resources based on conditions like device compliance, location, or risk, but it does not encrypt content or enforce file-level protections. Similarly, Intune Compliance Policies ensure that devices meet organizational security standards, such as encryption, patching, and configuration rules, but they do not provide encryption for individual files stored in cloud services. Defender for Endpoint provides endpoint protection against malware, exploits, and other threats, yet it does not automatically classify or encrypt sensitive documents.
MIP fills this critical gap by providing a centralized, policy-driven approach to data protection that travels with the content. It allows organizations to enforce security while maintaining productivity, enabling users to collaborate and share files safely without compromising compliance. Automated labeling and encryption reduce the burden on IT teams, while persistent protection ensures that sensitive information is safeguarded wherever it goes.
Microsoft Purview Information Protection is an essential tool for organizations that need to protect sensitive data throughout its lifecycle. By offering classification, labeling, and automatic encryption, MIP ensures that information is secure both at rest and in transit. It complements other Microsoft security tools by focusing on content-level protection, preventing unauthorized access, maintaining regulatory compliance, and supporting secure collaboration across OneDrive, SharePoint, and other Microsoft 365 applications. This combination of automated safeguards and persistent encryption makes MIP a cornerstone of modern data protection strategies.
Question 171
A company wants to monitor all privileged user activities across Azure AD and Microsoft 365 to detect misuse. Which service should they implement?
A) Microsoft Entra Privileged Identity Management (PIM)
B) Microsoft Purview Audit
C) Microsoft Intune Compliance Policies
D) Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Correct Answer: A) Microsoft Entra Privileged Identity Management (PIM)
Explanation
Microsoft Entra Privileged Identity Management (PIM) is the correct solution because it provides just-in-time access, approval workflows, and time-bound access for privileged roles in Azure AD and Microsoft 365. PIM monitors and logs all activities of privileged users, enabling alerts for unusual behavior and providing visibility for auditing purposes. This helps prevent misuse of administrative privileges while reducing the attack surface for identity-related threats.
Purview Audit captures logs of user and administrative activities across Microsoft 365, but does not provide just-in-time access or proactive risk detection for privileged accounts.
Intune Compliance Policies ensure that devices meet security standards before accessing corporate resources, but do not monitor privileged user activity.
Defender for Endpoint monitors endpoint threats and vulnerabilities, but cannot enforce or track privileged role activities within Azure AD or Microsoft 365.
By implementing PIM, organizations can enforce the principle of least privilege, reduce risk from standing administrative access, and maintain compliance through detailed activity logs and approval workflows.
Question 172
A company wants to classify and protect sensitive emails containing personally identifiable information (PII). Which service should they implement?
A) Microsoft Purview Information Protection (MIP)
B) Microsoft Entra Conditional Access
C) Microsoft Intune Compliance Policies
D) Microsoft Defender for Office 365
Correct Answer: A) Microsoft Purview Information Protection (MIP)
Explanation
Microsoft Purview Information Protection (MIP) is the correct solution because it allows automatic or manual labeling of emails based on content, including sensitive PII. Labels can enforce encryption, prevent forwarding, or restrict access based on sensitivity. MIP integrates with Exchange Online to ensure that emails containing sensitive data are protected at rest and in transit, reducing the risk of data leakage.
Conditional Access restricts access to resources based on risk factors but does not classify or encrypt email content.
Intune Compliance Policies enforce device compliance but cannot apply content-level protection to emails.
Defender for Office 365 provides threat protection, such as phishing and malware scanning, but does not classify or encrypt sensitive content.
MIP ensures compliance with data protection regulations, enforces organizational security policies, and helps prevent accidental or malicious exposure of sensitive data.
Question 173
A company wants to block users from accessing corporate resources if their devices are not compliant. Which solution should they implement?
A) Microsoft Entra Conditional Access
B) Microsoft Purview Information Protection
C) Microsoft Intune Compliance Policies
D) Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps
Correct Answer: A) Microsoft Entra Conditional Access
Explanation
Microsoft Entra Conditional Access is the correct solution because it evaluates access requests in real time based on device compliance, user location, and risk level. Administrators can block non-compliant devices from accessing Microsoft 365, SharePoint, or Teams. Conditional Access integrates with Intune to assess compliance status and enforce access restrictions accordingly, ensuring only secure devices can access sensitive data.
Purview Information Protection focuses on content classification and encryption rather than access enforcement.
Intune Compliance Policies ensure device compliance but do not directly enforce access to resources.
Defender for Cloud Apps monitors activity and risk, but does not enforce access based on device compliance.
Conditional Access provides a robust mechanism for enforcing security policies and protecting corporate resources while enabling productivity for compliant users.
Question 174
A company wants to detect suspicious activities like mass file deletions in SharePoint and OneDrive. Which service should they use?
A) Microsoft Purview Audit
B) Microsoft Entra Identity Protection
C) Microsoft Intune Compliance Policies
D) Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Correct Answer: A) Microsoft Purview Audit
Explanation
In modern enterprises, ensuring the security and compliance of digital assets requires robust monitoring of user activity, especially within cloud-based services such as SharePoint and OneDrive. Microsoft Purview Audit provides a comprehensive solution for tracking and managing such activity, making it the preferred choice for organizations that need detailed visibility over file operations and user actions. By capturing granular activity logs across Microsoft 365, Purview Audit allows administrators to monitor critical operations, identify suspicious behavior, and maintain compliance with regulatory standards.
Purview Audit is capable of logging a wide range of user and system activities, including file creation, modification, deletion, and sharing. This includes both intentional and potentially malicious actions, such as mass deletions, bulk downloads, or sharing sensitive documents with external users. Administrators can configure alerts to notify them of these high-risk activities in real time, enabling rapid response to potential security threats. The detailed logs generated by Purview Audit are also invaluable for compliance reporting and forensic investigations, as they provide a complete record of who accessed or modified content, when the activity occurred, and what actions were performed. This level of visibility is critical for organizations operating in regulated industries, where auditing and accountability are essential for compliance with standards such as GDPR, HIPAA, or ISO frameworks.
While Microsoft offers other security and monitoring solutions, these alternatives do not provide the same level of file activity auditing within SharePoint or OneDrive. Entra Identity Protection, for example, focuses on monitoring identity risks and detecting potentially compromised accounts, but it does not capture granular file-level activity. Similarly, Intune Compliance Policies are designed to enforce device-level security standards, such as encryption, password complexity, or OS patching, but they do not track user actions on cloud-based files. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint provides endpoint threat detection and mitigation, protecting devices from malware and other attacks, yet it cannot comprehensively audit cloud-based document interactions.
By using Purview Audit, organizations gain the ability to maintain continuous visibility over the activities occurring in their cloud environments. This visibility enables proactive detection of potentially harmful behavior before it escalates into a security breach. For example, if a user downloads an unusually large volume of files or shares sensitive information externally, administrators can investigate the activity promptly, identify whether it represents a legitimate business need or a security concern, and take appropriate remedial action. Beyond threat detection, these capabilities also support internal governance processes by ensuring that user actions comply with corporate policies and regulatory requirements.
Furthermore, Purview Audit integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365 compliance and security tools, allowing organizations to consolidate monitoring, alerting, and reporting in a centralized platform. This simplifies administrative workflows, enhances operational efficiency, and ensures that security and compliance teams have access to consistent, reliable information for decision-making. Organizations can leverage audit logs to generate reports for internal stakeholders, external auditors, or regulatory authorities, ensuring that all critical file activities are documented and traceable.
Microsoft Purview Audit is the ideal solution for organizations that require detailed monitoring and auditing of user activity across SharePoint, OneDrive, and other Microsoft 365 services. It provides comprehensive logging, real-time alerts, and robust reporting capabilities, enabling proactive risk detection, compliance adherence, and operational transparency. Unlike Entra Identity Protection, Intune Compliance Policies, or Defender for Endpoint, Purview Audit focuses specifically on user interactions with enterprise content, making it a critical component of a modern security and compliance strategy. By implementing Purview Audit, organizations can safeguard sensitive information, detect suspicious behavior early, and maintain a strong, accountable security posture across their cloud-based environments.
Question 175
A company wants to enforce encryption and access restrictions on sensitive documents stored in Microsoft 365. Which service should they implement?
A) Microsoft Purview Information Protection (MIP)
B) Microsoft Entra Conditional Access
C) Microsoft Intune Compliance Policies
D) Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps
Correct Answer: A) Microsoft Purview Information Protection (MIP)
Explanation
Microsoft Purview Information Protection (MIP) is a comprehensive solution that empowers organizations to secure sensitive information by classifying, labeling, and encrypting documents across the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. In today’s digital workplace, sensitive data can reside in multiple locations, including SharePoint, OneDrive, and Microsoft Teams, making consistent protection a critical requirement. MIP provides organizations with the ability to apply security policies directly to the content itself, ensuring that sensitive documents remain protected regardless of where they are stored or how they are shared.
A key feature of MIP is the ability to assign labels to documents that reflect their level of sensitivity. These labels can be applied manually by users or automatically based on predefined rules that identify confidential information, such as financial data, personally identifiable information, or intellectual property. Once a label is applied, it can enforce a range of protective actions. For example, labels can apply encryption to prevent unauthorized access, restrict copying or printing of content, and block sharing with external users who are not authorized. Additionally, MIP can enforce access policies based on user roles, ensuring that only designated personnel can view or modify sensitive documents. This fine-grained control helps organizations maintain both security and operational efficiency.
MIP integrates seamlessly across core Microsoft 365 services, including SharePoint, OneDrive, and Microsoft Teams, providing a unified approach to information protection. This integration ensures that security policies are consistently applied to content regardless of where it resides, enabling secure collaboration and sharing without compromising compliance or data protection standards. The persistent nature of MIP’s protections, such as encryption and access restrictions, ensures that sensitive data remains secure even when it leaves the organization’s controlled environment.
While other Microsoft security tools address important aspects of enterprise protection, they do not provide the same content-centric capabilities as MIP. Conditional Access, for example, controls access to resources based on user identity, device compliance, location, or risk, but it does not classify or encrypt content. Intune Compliance Policies ensure that devices accessing corporate resources meet security standards, such as encryption and configuration compliance, yet they cannot enforce document-level protections or apply labels to sensitive files. Defender for Cloud Apps enhances security by monitoring user activity and detecting risky behavior in cloud applications, and it can enforce session controls, but it does not provide persistent encryption or labeling for the documents themselves.
By implementing Microsoft Purview Information Protection, organizations can ensure that sensitive information is consistently safeguarded across their digital environment. It helps reduce the risk of accidental or intentional data exposure while enabling employees to collaborate securely. Moreover, MIP supports compliance with regulatory requirements, including GDPR, HIPAA, and other industry-specific standards, by ensuring that sensitive content is appropriately classified, controlled, and protected.
MIP provides a comprehensive, content-centric approach to information protection that complements other security tools by focusing on safeguarding sensitive data at the document level. Through classification, labeling, encryption, and access restrictions, organizations can secure confidential information across Microsoft 365, mitigate risks associated with data leakage, and maintain regulatory compliance without hindering productivity. By embedding protection directly into the content itself, MIP ensures that sensitive information remains secure both within and outside the organization.
Question 176
A company wants to protect sensitive emails and documents from being shared outside the organization. Which solution is most appropriate?
A) Microsoft Purview Information Protection (MIP)
B) Microsoft Entra Conditional Access
C) Microsoft Intune Compliance Policies
D) Microsoft Defender for Office 365
Correct Answer: A) Microsoft Purview Information Protection (MIP)
Explanation
Microsoft Purview Information Protection (MIP) is a comprehensive solution designed to help organizations safeguard sensitive information by classifying, labeling, and applying protective measures to emails, documents, and other content across Microsoft 365. In an era where sensitive data can easily travel across networks, devices, and cloud services, organizations need a solution that not only identifies confidential information but also enforces security policies automatically. MIP provides this capability by allowing administrators to define labels and rules that protect data both at rest and in transit, ensuring that critical information remains secure regardless of where it is stored or how it is shared.
One of the key strengths of MIP is its ability to classify and label content based on sensitivity. Organizations can define policies for emails and documents containing confidential information, personally identifiable information, financial data, or proprietary business content. Labels can be applied manually by users or automatically through content inspection and pattern recognition. Automatic labeling ensures that sensitive information is consistently protected without relying solely on user awareness or intervention, reducing the risk of accidental data leakage. Once a label is applied, MIP can enforce encryption and access restrictions, ensuring that only authorized users can view or interact with sensitive content. This capability is particularly important for protecting data shared externally, as encrypted files remain secure even when sent outside the organization.
While MIP focuses on protecting content, other Microsoft security solutions address different aspects of organizational security. Conditional Access, for instance, controls access to resources based on user identity, device compliance, location, or risk signals. While this helps ensure that only trusted users and devices can access corporate applications, Conditional Access does not classify emails or documents, nor does it apply encryption policies to sensitive content. Similarly, Intune Compliance Policies are designed to manage and enforce device security, such as requiring encryption, patching, and proper configuration. While Intune ensures that devices meet security standards, it cannot prevent the unauthorized sharing of emails or documents containing sensitive information.
Defender for Office 365 adds another layer of protection by defending against threats such as phishing, malware, and unsafe attachments. While this is essential for securing email communication and endpoints, it does not classify or label content, nor does it enforce encryption or access restrictions for sensitive information. MIP complements these tools by providing data-centric security, ensuring that confidential content is protected regardless of where it resides or how it is shared.
Implementing Microsoft Purview Information Protection allows organizations to maintain consistent enforcement of information protection policies across Microsoft 365. By automatically classifying and labeling sensitive content, enforcing encryption, and restricting unauthorized access, MIP helps reduce the risk of data breaches and accidental data leakage. Additionally, it supports regulatory compliance by helping organizations meet requirements outlined in GDPR, HIPAA, ISO standards, and other data protection frameworks.
MIP is a critical solution for organizations aiming to protect sensitive information at its source. By combining classification, labeling, encryption, and access controls, it provides a holistic approach to information security, complementing other tools like Conditional Access, Intune, and Defender for Office 365. With MIP, organizations can secure emails and documents consistently, mitigate risks, and maintain compliance while enabling users to collaborate safely and productively.
Question 177
A company wants to require multi-factor authentication (MFA) only for users accessing sensitive applications from unmanaged devices. Which solution is most appropriate?
A) Microsoft Entra Conditional Access
B) Microsoft Purview Information Protection
C) Microsoft Intune Compliance Policies
D) Microsoft Defender for Identity
Correct Answer: A) Microsoft Entra Conditional Access
Explanation
Microsoft Entra Conditional Access is a key component of modern enterprise security, providing organizations with the ability to enforce authentication requirements dynamically based on a range of contextual conditions. Unlike traditional access controls that rely solely on static credentials, Conditional Access evaluates multiple factors in real time, ensuring that access decisions are made according to the current risk posture of both the user and the device. This capability is particularly important in environments where users access sensitive applications and corporate resources from diverse locations, devices, and networks, including both managed corporate endpoints and personal devices under a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policy.
One of the primary strengths of Entra Conditional Access is its flexibility in defining policies tailored to organizational security requirements. Policies can be created to trigger multi-factor authentication (MFA) based on specific conditions such as the sensitivity of the application being accessed, the user’s group membership, the device’s compliance status, or the location from which access is requested. For example, in a scenario where an employee attempts to access a highly confidential finance application from an unmanaged device or from a location outside the corporate network, the Conditional Access policy can require MFA to ensure the identity of the user before granting access. Conversely, users accessing less sensitive applications from trusted, managed devices may not be prompted for additional authentication, striking a balance between security and user convenience.
Conditional Access policies operate in real time, providing dynamic, risk-based control over access to applications and resources. They are tightly integrated with Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), allowing organizations to manage access across cloud-based services and hybrid environments seamlessly. By continuously evaluating the context of each access request, Conditional Access enforces security measures without relying on static policies or manual intervention, ensuring that access decisions adapt to evolving threats and user behavior patterns.
While other Microsoft security solutions provide complementary capabilities, they do not address the specific need for context-aware, risk-based authentication. Microsoft Purview Information Protection, for instance, focuses on classifying, labeling, and protecting data at rest or in transit, such as emails and documents. Although Purview ensures that sensitive information is handled appropriately, it does not control how users authenticate or grant access based on device compliance or environmental risk. Similarly, Microsoft Intune Compliance Policies enforce device-specific requirements, including operating system version, encryption, and security patch levels. Intune ensures that devices meet security standards before they can access corporate resources, but it cannot independently enforce MFA or apply real-time access decisions. Instead, it works in conjunction with Conditional Access to provide a foundation for risk-aware authentication.
Microsoft Defender for Identity, another related solution, monitors user and entity behavior to detect suspicious activity and identity threats within on-premises Active Directory environments. While Defender for Identity provides valuable alerts and insights regarding compromised accounts or risky behavior, it does not enforce authentication requirements or access policies for individual applications in real time. As a result, it cannot replace the targeted, dynamic control that Conditional Access provides.
By implementing Entra Conditional Access, organizations gain the ability to enforce granular authentication policies that align with the principles of Zero Trust. Access is no longer granted automatically based on network location or device type; instead, every request is evaluated for risk, and security requirements such as MFA are applied only when necessary. This approach reduces the risk of unauthorized access while minimizing disruption to users accessing trusted, compliant devices. The integration with Azure AD allows policies to span both cloud-based applications and hybrid deployments, ensuring consistent enforcement across diverse IT environments.
Conditional Access also improves regulatory compliance by providing documented, enforceable controls over user authentication and access to sensitive resources. Organizations can tailor policies to meet industry-specific standards, such as financial services or healthcare regulations, ensuring that high-risk access scenarios are appropriately protected. The combination of contextual evaluation, real-time enforcement, and seamless integration makes Conditional Access a highly effective tool for maintaining strong security while preserving user productivity.
Ultimately, Microsoft Entra Conditional Access delivers a targeted, context-aware authentication strategy that protects critical applications, reduces the likelihood of security breaches, and supports a Zero Trust approach. By leveraging Conditional Access in conjunction with Intune Compliance Policies, organizations can enforce risk-based authentication dynamically, safeguard sensitive resources, and provide a frictionless user experience across both managed and unmanaged devices, making it the ideal solution for controlling access based on device and user risk.
Question 178
A company needs to ensure that only compliant devices can access corporate resources. Which solution should be implemented?
A) Microsoft Intune Compliance Policies
B) Microsoft Entra Conditional Access
C) Microsoft Purview Information Protection
D) Microsoft Defender for Office 365
Correct Answer: A) Microsoft Intune Compliance Policies
Explanation
Microsoft Intune Compliance Policies play a critical role in modern enterprise security by allowing organizations to establish and enforce device compliance standards before granting access to corporate resources. These policies act as a gatekeeper, ensuring that only devices that meet predefined security and operational requirements can connect to corporate applications, data, and services. This approach is vital in today’s digital environment, where employees use a variety of devices, including corporate-owned laptops, desktops, tablets, and personal mobile devices under a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) model. By enforcing compliance rules, organizations can minimize security risks and maintain regulatory standards.
Intune Compliance Policies provide administrators with the ability to define detailed rules and settings tailored to organizational security needs. Common policy configurations include requiring devices to run a specific operating system version to prevent vulnerabilities associated with outdated software. Device encryption policies ensure that sensitive corporate information stored on endpoints is protected against unauthorized access, even if the device is lost or stolen. Password requirements, including complexity, length, and expiration, can also be enforced to reduce the likelihood of unauthorized access. Additionally, administrators can mandate that devices have the latest security patches installed, reducing exposure to known vulnerabilities and strengthening overall cybersecurity posture. Once a device meets all compliance requirements, it is automatically marked as compliant and granted seamless access to corporate applications, email, and other critical data, allowing employees to remain productive without compromising security.
Devices that do not meet compliance criteria are treated according to the organization’s security strategy. Non-compliant devices may be blocked from accessing corporate resources entirely, limited to read-only access, or placed in a quarantined state until they meet compliance standards. This flexibility allows organizations to maintain strict security controls while supporting operational continuity. By controlling device access at this level, Intune Compliance Policies provide a foundational layer of protection against data breaches, malware infections, and other security threats.
Conditional Access complements Intune Compliance Policies by enforcing access decisions based on the compliance status reported by Intune. While Conditional Access itself cannot evaluate or enforce compliance, it leverages compliance data to determine whether a device should be granted access to applications or services. This combination enables organizations to implement a Zero Trust security model, where trust is never implicit, and access decisions are made dynamically based on device health, user identity, location, and other contextual factors. For example, even a corporate-owned device may be denied access if it falls out of compliance due to missing patches or disabled encryption.
Other Microsoft security solutions address different aspects of data protection, but do not replace the functionality of Intune Compliance Policies. Microsoft Purview Information Protection focuses on safeguarding data both at rest and in transit through labeling, classification, and encryption. While it protects sensitive content, it does not manage device security or enforce access restrictions based on compliance. Similarly, Microsoft Defender for Office 365 protects against malware, phishing, and unsafe attachments within emails but does not govern device compliance or access control.
By leveraging Intune Compliance Policies alongside Conditional Access, organizations create a comprehensive security framework that ensures only compliant devices can access corporate resources. This approach provides consistent security across corporate-owned and personal devices, supports regulatory compliance requirements, and protects sensitive business data from unauthorized access. Furthermore, it reduces the risk of data leakage and strengthens the overall organizational cybersecurity posture. Implementing Intune Compliance Policies is therefore essential for enterprises seeking to balance robust security with operational efficiency, enabling secure, seamless access to corporate resources while maintaining user productivity.
This integrated strategy ensures that organizations can monitor device health continuously, enforce security requirements, and maintain control over their digital environment, all while empowering employees to work flexibly and securely. The combination of device compliance enforcement and access control is a cornerstone of modern enterprise security, making Intune Compliance Policies a critical component of any organizational security strategy.
Question 179
A company wants to detect and respond to identity-based threats and suspicious user activities in real-time across its on-premises and cloud environment. Which solution should they implement?
A) Microsoft Defender for Identity
B) Microsoft Purview Information Protection
C) Microsoft Entra Conditional Access
D) Microsoft Intune Compliance Policies
Correct Answer: A) Microsoft Defender for Identity
Explanation
Microsoft Defender for Identity is the correct solution because it provides advanced monitoring and threat detection for identity-related activities. It integrates with both on-premises Active Directory and Azure Active Directory to track authentication patterns, account behavior, and potential compromise attempts. Defender for Identity can detect unusual logins, lateral movement, pass-the-hash attacks, and privilege escalation attempts in real-time. Alerts generated can be acted upon immediately, either manually by administrators or through automated workflows, reducing the risk of security breaches.
Purview Information Protection focuses on data classification, labeling, and protection for sensitive content in emails, documents, and other files. While it protects data at rest and in transit, it does not monitor or detect suspicious identity or authentication behaviors.
Entra Conditional Access enforces access policies based on conditions like device compliance, user location, or risk level. While it can block or require MFA for risky sign-ins, it does not provide continuous monitoring or detection of identity threats; it acts only at the point of access.
Intune Compliance Policies ensure that devices meet security standards before accessing corporate resources. Although Intune contributes to secure access and Zero Trust enforcement, it cannot detect malicious activity or compromised accounts within identity systems.
By using Microsoft Defender for Identity, organizations gain visibility into identity risks, behavioral anomalies, and potential threats. It allows proactive mitigation of account compromise, insider threats, and credential-based attacks. Defender for Identity also integrates with other Microsoft security solutions, such as Microsoft Sentinel and Conditional Access, to provide a comprehensive security ecosystem. This ensures that suspicious activities are not only detected but also acted upon, improving overall identity security and compliance with regulations.
Question 180
A company wants to enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all users accessing sensitive applications and resources to improve its security posture. Which solution should be implemented?
A) Microsoft Entra Conditional Access
B) Microsoft Intune Compliance Policies
C) Microsoft Purview Information Protection
D) Microsoft Defender for Identity
Correct Answer: A) Microsoft Entra Conditional Access
Explanation
Microsoft Entra Conditional Access is the correct solution because it provides policy-based enforcement of access controls, including multi-factor authentication, based on conditions such as user role, device compliance, location, risk level, and application sensitivity. Organizations can create granular policies that require MFA for high-risk users or critical applications while allowing seamless access for trusted conditions. This approach ensures that authentication security is strengthened without unduly affecting user productivity.
Intune Compliance Policies primarily ensure that devices meet security standards before accessing corporate resources. While device compliance can be used as a condition in Conditional Access, Intune itself does not enforce MFA. It focuses on device health, configuration, and compliance rather than authentication policies.
Purview Information Protection helps classify, label, and protect sensitive data to prevent unauthorized access or sharing. It provides encryption, rights management, and data governance, but does not manage authentication methods like MFA or access policies. Therefore, it cannot enforce MFA requirements directly.
Microsoft Defender for Identity monitors identity-related threats, suspicious login activities, and compromised accounts. Although it can alert administrators about risky sign-ins and provide risk reports, it cannot enforce MFA policies. Defender for Identity is reactive in nature, detecting threats rather than actively controlling access.
Implementing Microsoft Entra Conditional Access enables organizations to adopt a Zero Trust approach, ensuring that access is granted only when conditions are met, such as verifying device compliance, location, and user risk level. MFA policies reduce the likelihood of account compromise, mitigate phishing attacks, and enhance regulatory compliance. By combining Conditional Access with Intune and Defender for Identity, organizations can create a layered security model that not only enforces strong authentication but also continuously monitors identity risks and device security. This comprehensive strategy ensures that sensitive applications and data are protected against unauthorized access while maintaining operational efficiency and user experience.