Microsoft SC-900 Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set 1 Q1-20

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Question 1:

Which of the following best describes the purpose of Microsoft Entra ID in Microsoft 365?

Answer:

A) Provides identity and access management services
B) Serves as a cloud-based file storage system
C) Acts as an endpoint protection solution
D) Manages compliance reports for Microsoft 365

Explanation:

Option A is correct. Microsoft Entra ID, formerly known as Azure Active Directory, is primarily an identity and access management (IAM) service. It enables organizations to manage users, groups, and access to resources in both cloud and on-premises environments. Entra ID supports features such as single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and conditional access policies, allowing businesses to protect resources while providing seamless access to users.

Option B is incorrect. While Microsoft 365 includes file storage solutions like OneDrive and SharePoint, Entra ID is not a storage platform. Its function revolves around authentication and authorization rather than storing or sharing files.

Option C is incorrect. Endpoint protection is handled by Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, not Entra ID. Defender focuses on detecting, preventing, and responding to threats on devices.

Option D is partially related but incorrect. Entra ID contributes to identity-related auditing and reporting, but managing compliance reports is primarily the responsibility of Microsoft Compliance Center. Compliance reporting focuses on regulatory requirements, data retention, and risk assessments rather than authentication and identity management.

Question 2:

Which security principle focuses on granting users only the permissions they need to perform their job functions?

Answer:

A) Zero Trust
B) Principle of Least Privilege
C) Defense in Depth
D) Privileged Identity Management

Explanation:

Option B is correct. The Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP) ensures that users are granted only the minimum permissions necessary to complete their work. By limiting permissions, organizations reduce the risk of accidental or malicious actions that could compromise data or systems.

Option A, Zero Trust, is a broader security strategy that assumes no user or device should be trusted by default, and it requires verification for every access request. While PoLP can be a component of a Zero Trust approach, Zero Trust itself is not exclusively about permission levels.

Option C, Defense in Depth, refers to layering multiple security measures to protect assets. While this strategy strengthens overall security, it does not specifically focus on permission assignment.

Option D, Privileged Identity Management (PIM), is a tool within Microsoft Entra ID to manage, monitor, and control elevated access. PIM supports PoLP, but the principle itself is about minimizing permissions, not managing them after granting.

Question 3:

Which Microsoft 365 compliance solution helps organizations assess their regulatory compliance posture and provides improvement recommendations?

Answer:

A) Microsoft Compliance Manager
B) Microsoft Entra ID
C) Microsoft Intune
D) Microsoft Defender for Identity

Explanation:

Option A is correct. Microsoft Compliance Manager is a tool designed to help organizations evaluate compliance with industry standards, regulations, and internal policies. It provides risk assessments, assigns improvement actions, and tracks progress over time. It also integrates with Microsoft 365 services to automate certain compliance tasks, offering detailed reports and actionable insights.

Option B is incorrect. Entra ID focuses on identity and access management rather than compliance assessment. While identity security affects compliance, Entra ID does not provide compliance scoring or recommendations.

Option C, Microsoft Intune, is a mobile device management (MDM) and endpoint security solution. Intune supports compliance by enforcing device policies, but it does not provide regulatory compliance scoring or guidance.

Option D, Microsoft Defender for Identity, focuses on detecting identity-related threats using behavioral analytics. While it enhances security and indirectly supports compliance, it is not designed for compliance assessment or recommendations.

Question 4:

In a Zero Trust model, which principle ensures that access to resources is continually verified and not just assumed based on network location?

Answer:

A) Verify Explicitly
B) Assume Breach
C) Least Privilege Access
D) Endpoint Security

Explanation:

Option A is correct. “Verify Explicitly” is a core Zero Trust principle. It requires organizations to authenticate and authorize every access request using multiple signals, such as user identity, device health, location, and risk profile. Verification is continuous, ensuring that access is not based solely on network location or past authentication events.

Option B, Assume Breach, is another Zero Trust concept emphasizing that security teams should operate under the assumption that attackers are already inside the network. While related to overall strategy, it does not directly describe the process of verifying access.

Option C, Least Privilege Access, reduces the permissions granted to users but does not guarantee continual verification of every access request.

Option D, Endpoint Security, is necessary for protecting devices but is only one part of Zero Trust. It ensures that devices are healthy but does not handle continual verification of access permissions.

Question 5:

Which Microsoft 365 service allows organizations to classify and protect sensitive information, including data loss prevention policies?

Answer:

A) Microsoft Purview Information Protection
B) Microsoft Defender for Office 365
C) Microsoft Intune
D) Microsoft Entra ID

Explanation:

Option A is correct. Microsoft Purview Information Protection helps classify, label, and protect sensitive information across Microsoft 365 environments. It integrates with data loss prevention (DLP) policies to prevent accidental sharing of sensitive data, enforce encryption, and monitor activity related to critical documents. This solution supports regulatory compliance and corporate security policies.

Option B, Microsoft Defender for Office 365, focuses on threat protection for email and collaboration tools, such as phishing and malware detection, not data classification.

Option C, Microsoft Intune, provides endpoint management and security for devices but does not handle data classification or DLP.

Option D, Microsoft Entra ID, manages identity and access but is not responsible for protecting or classifying sensitive content.

Question 6:

Which feature in Microsoft Entra ID allows organizations to provide just-in-time privileged access and require approval before elevating roles?

Answer:

A) Conditional Access
B) Privileged Identity Management (PIM)
C) Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
D) Identity Protection

Explanation:

Option B is correct. Privileged Identity Management (PIM) is a specialized service within Microsoft Entra ID designed to manage, monitor, and control access to privileged roles in an organization. PIM allows administrators to provide just-in-time (JIT) access, which means users can be granted elevated permissions only for a limited time when they need to perform specific tasks. This approach reduces the risk of permanent exposure of high-level administrative privileges. PIM also enables approval workflows, ensuring that access to critical roles must be authorized by designated approvers before elevation occurs. Additionally, it enforces access reviews, where organizations periodically evaluate who still requires privileged access and can automatically remove or reduce permissions when no longer needed.

Option A, Conditional Access, is often confused with PIM because it controls access based on specific conditions such as user location, device compliance, or risk signals. However, Conditional Access does not manage privileged roles or provide JIT access; it is primarily focused on enforcing access policies for authentication and resource access. While Conditional Access can integrate with PIM to strengthen security (for example, requiring MFA before elevating privileges), it is not itself a solution for privileged role management.

Option C, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), is a critical component of modern identity security. MFA enhances protection by requiring additional verification (such as a text message code, authentication app prompt, or biometric verification) beyond just a password. MFA is often used in combination with PIM to verify the identity of users requesting elevated roles, but MFA alone does not provide time-bound access, role management, or approval workflows. It simply ensures that the authentication process is stronger.

Option D, Identity Protection, is an Entra ID feature that uses risk-based conditional access to detect and respond to potentially compromised accounts. It leverages machine learning to analyze user behavior and sign-in patterns to flag suspicious activity. While Identity Protection is critical for preventing unauthorized access and alerting administrators, it does not provide role elevation or privileged access management features. Its focus is on protecting accounts, not granting just-in-time access or requiring approvals for elevated roles.

In essence, PIM is central to implementing the least privilege principle effectively in Microsoft 365. By using PIM, organizations can minimize exposure of critical resources, enforce temporal limits on elevated access, and maintain detailed logs for auditing purposes. This ensures that even administrators cannot misuse privileges, and all access to high-risk roles is controlled, monitored, and compliant with organizational security policies. Implementing PIM in combination with Conditional Access and MFA forms a robust security posture, reducing the risk of internal and external threats exploiting administrative privileges.

Question 7:

Which of the following best describes the purpose of Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies?

Answer:

A) To encrypt all email messages in Microsoft 365
B) To detect and prevent the accidental or intentional sharing of sensitive information
C) To provide identity verification for users accessing Microsoft 365
D) To manage device compliance and security settings

Explanation:

Option B is correct. Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is a suite of policies and tools designed to identify, monitor, and protect sensitive information across Microsoft 365 services. These policies prevent accidental or intentional exposure of sensitive data, including financial records, personally identifiable information (PII), health information, intellectual property, and confidential business documents. DLP operates across platforms such as Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, OneDrive for Business, and Microsoft Teams, ensuring that sensitive content is not inadvertently shared outside authorized groups or users.

DLP uses content inspection and pattern matching to recognize sensitive information. For example, it can detect credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, or custom identifiers defined by an organization. Once detected, DLP policies can automatically block the sharing of this content, notify users of potential policy violations, and log events for auditing purposes. Administrators can configure different rules, actions, and severity levels depending on the sensitivity of the data, organizational compliance requirements, and risk tolerance.

Option A is incorrect. While DLP may enforce encryption for sensitive content as part of its policy actions, its primary goal is not just to encrypt email messages but to monitor, detect, and prevent data exposure. Encryption alone does not provide visibility, content inspection, or compliance reporting, which are key functions of DLP.

Option C is incorrect. Identity verification, such as authentication or MFA, is part of access management rather than data loss prevention. DLP is concerned with content and data handling, not verifying who is accessing Microsoft 365. However, DLP can integrate with Conditional Access to enforce stricter controls on users attempting to share sensitive content.

Option D is incorrect. Device compliance management is handled by Microsoft Intune. While DLP may consider device compliance as part of a broader conditional access strategy, its primary focus is on protecting sensitive content, not on managing device configuration or enforcing security settings.

By deploying DLP policies, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches, regulatory non-compliance, and reputational damage. DLP also supports automated remediation workflows and integrates with Microsoft Purview compliance tools for reporting, auditing, and continuous improvement. For example, when a user attempts to share a sensitive document externally, DLP can block the action and provide the user with a customized warning message explaining why the action is prohibited. Administrators can generate comprehensive reports on DLP violations to demonstrate compliance with regulatory frameworks such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS. DLP thus forms a critical part of an organization’s information protection strategy within Microsoft 365.

Question 8:

Which of the following best describes the primary function of Microsoft Defender for Office 365?

Answer:

A) Protects against malware, phishing, and other email-based threats
B) Encrypts all Microsoft Teams messages automatically
C) Provides identity and access management features
D) Tracks compliance audit logs

Explanation:

Option A is correct. Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is a comprehensive security solution designed to protect organizations from threats targeting email and collaboration platforms. It specifically focuses on mitigating risks such as phishing attacks, malware-laden attachments, business email compromise (BEC), spam, and other malicious content delivered via Exchange Online, Teams, and SharePoint. Defender for Office 365 leverages advanced machine learning, threat intelligence, and behavioral analysis to detect and block these threats in real time, providing protection against sophisticated attacks that bypass traditional security measures.

Defender for Office 365 includes features such as Safe Attachments, which dynamically scans email attachments in a sandbox environment to detect malicious content before delivery, and Safe Links, which protects users from malicious URLs by scanning links at the time of click. The platform also provides Threat Explorer and Attack Simulator tools, allowing administrators to analyze attack patterns, simulate phishing campaigns, and proactively train users to recognize social engineering attempts.

Option B is incorrect. While Defender for Office 365 can analyze content in Teams for threats, it does not automatically encrypt messages. Encryption features are part of Microsoft Purview Information Protection and related compliance tools. Defender for Office 365 is threat-focused rather than focused on content encryption.

Option C is incorrect. Identity and access management are handled by Microsoft Entra ID, not Defender for Office 365. While compromised accounts detected through email threats may trigger alerts, Defender itself does not manage identities, enforce authentication, or control access to resources.

Option D is incorrect. Compliance audit logs and reporting are primarily handled through Microsoft Purview Compliance Center, where administrators can generate detailed records of activity, access, and policy violations. Defender for Office 365 contributes to security insights, but it is not the primary tool for compliance auditing.

By deploying Defender for Office 365, organizations strengthen their security posture against evolving threats, reduce the risk of phishing-related breaches, and safeguard sensitive corporate information from external attacks. Defender integrates with broader Microsoft 365 security solutions, allowing centralized monitoring and incident response through Microsoft 365 Defender. The platform provides actionable intelligence, automated remediation, and reporting to assist security teams in identifying vulnerable users, investigating attacks, and implementing preventative measures, making it an indispensable tool for Microsoft 365 security operations.

Question 9:

Which principle of Zero Trust assumes that every network, user, and device is potentially compromised and should not be trusted by default?

Answer:

A) Verify Explicitly
B) Assume Breach
C) Least Privilege Access
D) Conditional Access Enforcement

Explanation:

Option B is correct. The “Assume Breach” principle is a foundational concept of Zero Trust architecture. It posits that organizations should assume that attackers have already infiltrated the network and that internal systems, users, and devices cannot be automatically trusted. This mindset changes the approach to security from one based on perimeter defense to one focused on continuous verification, monitoring, and mitigation of risk.

Assume Breach encourages organizations to implement layered security strategies (defense in depth) and proactive detection mechanisms. It promotes monitoring for anomalies, restricting lateral movement within networks, and segmenting resources so that a breach in one area does not compromise the entire environment. By assuming a breach scenario, organizations are better prepared to respond to incidents, investigate threats, and limit the impact of successful attacks.

Option A, Verify Explicitly, is another core Zero Trust principle, emphasizing authentication and authorization for every request. While Verify Explicitly focuses on validating each access attempt, Assume Breach is about mindset—planning security operations under the assumption of compromise. The two principles are complementary but not synonymous.

Option C, Least Privilege Access, restricts users’ access to only what is necessary for their roles. While Least Privilege reduces the potential damage from breaches, it does not encompass the broader assumption that all users or devices may already be compromised.

Option D, Conditional Access Enforcement, implements policies to control access based on risk signals, device state, or location. Conditional Access supports Zero Trust strategies and aligns with the Assume Breach principle but is an implementation mechanism, not the conceptual foundation of assuming compromise.

Organizations that adopt the Assume Breach principle are better positioned to integrate technologies like Microsoft Entra ID, Conditional Access, Microsoft Defender solutions, and data protection policies. It enables proactive incident detection, timely mitigation, and continuous improvement of security postures. By assuming breaches, security teams prioritize monitoring, auditing, and real-time response, ensuring that threats are detected early, minimizing potential damage, and improving overall resilience against cyberattacks.

Question 10:

Which Microsoft 365 solution provides a centralized location for managing compliance, auditing, and data governance across cloud services?

Answer:

A) Microsoft Purview Compliance Portal
B) Microsoft Entra ID
C) Microsoft Intune
D) Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Explanation:

Option A is correct. The Microsoft Purview Compliance Portal is a centralized platform for managing compliance, auditing, risk, and data governance across Microsoft 365 services. It allows organizations to configure compliance solutions such as data loss prevention (DLP), information protection, insider risk management, records management, and auditing capabilities.

Within the Purview portal, administrators can assess organizational compliance against regulatory standards such as GDPR, HIPAA, ISO 27001, and NIST. Compliance Manager provides detailed scoring, action plans, and improvement recommendations to guide organizations toward meeting compliance obligations. Purview also integrates with Microsoft 365 data sources like Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, OneDrive, and Teams to enforce policies across content and communications.

Option B, Microsoft Entra ID, provides identity and access management. While it supports conditional access and identity governance, it is not a centralized tool for overall compliance management.

Option C, Microsoft Intune, focuses on endpoint management and device compliance. It ensures that devices meet security requirements but does not provide auditing or centralized compliance reporting for all Microsoft 365 services.

Option D, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, provides device threat protection and monitoring but does not cover overall compliance management, auditing, or data governance for cloud services.

By consolidating compliance, auditing, and data governance into a single portal, Microsoft Purview simplifies the process of monitoring regulatory adherence, responding to data protection incidents, and generating comprehensive reports for internal and external stakeholders. It allows organizations to maintain consistent control over sensitive information, enforce policies across multiple cloud workloads, and ensure ongoing compliance with evolving regulatory requirements.

Question 11:

Which Microsoft 365 feature allows organizations to monitor and respond to insider risks such as data theft, policy violations, or intellectual property leaks?

Answer:

A) Microsoft Purview Insider Risk Management
B) Microsoft Entra ID Conditional Access
C) Microsoft Intune Device Compliance
D) Microsoft Defender for Office 365

Explanation:

Option A is correct. Microsoft Purview Insider Risk Management is a comprehensive solution that helps organizations identify, investigate, and mitigate insider risks. Insider risks include intentional or unintentional actions by employees, contractors, or partners that could compromise sensitive information, violate organizational policies, or result in data loss. The system collects signals from Microsoft 365 services, such as email communications, chat messages, file access patterns, and SharePoint activity, to detect potential risky behaviors and anomalies.

Insider Risk Management uses machine learning and behavior analytics to assess patterns like excessive document downloads, unusual file sharing, attempts to access restricted content, or unauthorized collaboration outside the organization. Alerts are generated based on risk scoring, allowing security and compliance teams to prioritize investigations and respond proactively. It integrates with case management workflows, enabling the review of alerts, communication with involved employees, and documentation for compliance or legal purposes.

Option B, Microsoft Entra ID Conditional Access, is focused on access policies based on user identity, device state, location, or risk signals. While Conditional Access helps prevent unauthorized access or compromised accounts from being exploited, it does not actively monitor or investigate insider behaviors or detect policy violations. It is preventative in nature rather than investigative.

Option C, Microsoft Intune Device Compliance, ensures that endpoints meet organizational security standards, such as requiring encryption, OS updates, or antivirus installation. While Intune contributes to risk mitigation by enforcing secure device posture, it does not provide insight into insider activity, document access anomalies, or internal threats originating from legitimate users.

Option D, Microsoft Defender for Office 365, is designed to protect against email-based threats, malware, and phishing attacks. Although it can detect suspicious external communications, it does not monitor internal user behavior or provide tools for investigating insider risks.

Using Insider Risk Management, organizations can align internal risk mitigation with compliance regulations, including GDPR, HIPAA, or intellectual property protection requirements. This proactive approach not only reduces the likelihood of accidental or malicious internal breaches but also supports legal defensibility by maintaining detailed logs and documented investigation processes. By analyzing communication patterns, file access anomalies, and policy violations, organizations can identify at-risk employees, implement targeted training, enforce policy changes, or take corrective measures before significant damage occurs.

Overall, Insider Risk Management is an essential tool for organizations implementing a holistic security strategy that addresses both external threats and internal risks, enabling comprehensive protection of sensitive data and intellectual property within Microsoft 365.

Question 12:

Which Microsoft 365 tool allows organizations to create retention policies, manage records, and ensure regulatory compliance across documents and email?

Answer:

A) Microsoft Purview Records Management
B) Microsoft Intune
C) Microsoft Entra ID
D) Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Explanation:

Option A is correct. Microsoft Purview Records Management provides a centralized solution for managing the lifecycle of organizational data. It allows organizations to implement retention policies, classify content as records, and manage legal hold requirements to comply with regulatory frameworks and corporate governance standards. Records Management ensures that documents, emails, and other types of information are retained for appropriate periods, securely stored, and disposed of according to predefined policies.

Retention policies in Purview Records Management can be automated or manual. Automated retention labels are applied based on metadata, content type, or keyword patterns, reducing administrative burden and improving compliance accuracy. For example, financial reports might be retained for seven years, while project documentation may be deleted after three years. Legal holds can also preserve content during litigation or regulatory investigations, ensuring that no critical information is accidentally deleted.

Option B, Microsoft Intune, manages device security and compliance rather than content retention. While Intune can enforce policies to ensure devices store data securely, it does not directly manage content lifecycle, document retention, or regulatory compliance for emails and files.

Option C, Microsoft Entra ID, provides identity and access management, controlling who can access resources and under what conditions. Although identity governance indirectly supports compliance, it is not a content lifecycle management tool and cannot create retention policies or manage records.

Option D, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, focuses on threat protection for devices. It monitors for malware, suspicious activity, and vulnerabilities but does not manage content retention or enforce regulatory compliance policies across documents or emails.

By using Microsoft Purview Records Management, organizations can implement a structured approach to information governance, ensuring that sensitive data is retained in accordance with legal, regulatory, and organizational requirements. It also facilitates audits by providing comprehensive reporting on document retention, deletion, and labeling. The integration of Records Management with Microsoft 365 services such as SharePoint Online, Exchange Online, and OneDrive ensures consistent policy enforcement across the organization.

Furthermore, combining Records Management with other Purview compliance features, such as Data Loss Prevention and Insider Risk Management, enables organizations to mitigate risks, prevent unauthorized data disclosure, and maintain regulatory compliance. This comprehensive approach strengthens organizational resilience and demonstrates a proactive commitment to data governance and compliance standards.

Question 13:

Which Microsoft 365 feature allows administrators to control access to resources based on device compliance, location, and user risk level?

Answer:

A) Microsoft Entra ID Conditional Access
B) Microsoft Defender for Office 365
C) Microsoft Purview Information Protection
D) Microsoft Intune Endpoint Manager

Explanation:

Option A is correct. Microsoft Entra ID Conditional Access is a policy-based access control solution that evaluates various signals before granting or denying access to organizational resources. These signals include user identity, device compliance, location, risk level, and the sensitivity of the resource being accessed. Conditional Access enables organizations to enforce granular access policies, strengthen security, and align with Zero Trust principles by continuously evaluating risk before allowing access.

Administrators can configure policies such as requiring MFA for high-risk users, blocking access from untrusted locations, or allowing access only from compliant devices. Conditional Access integrates with Microsoft Intune to assess device compliance, including OS version, security configuration, and encryption status. For example, a user attempting to access Exchange Online from a personal device that is not compliant with organizational standards can be blocked or required to complete additional verification steps.

Option B, Microsoft Defender for Office 365, is primarily focused on email threat protection. It identifies phishing, malware, and other malicious content but does not control access based on conditional policies or device compliance.

Option C, Microsoft Purview Information Protection, classifies and protects sensitive content but does not enforce access controls dynamically based on device or user risk factors. While labeling and encryption protect data, Conditional Access governs who can access resources and under what conditions, making it the correct solution for access control.

Option D, Microsoft Intune Endpoint Manager, ensures devices meet compliance standards, deploys policies, and manages applications. While Intune evaluates device posture and can report compliance status, it cannot directly enforce access policies based on risk signals or user location without integration with Conditional Access.

Conditional Access is central to implementing Zero Trust access policies. By combining user, device, and location signals with risk intelligence, organizations reduce the likelihood of unauthorized access, credential compromise, or lateral movement within their network. Conditional Access policies can be tailored to specific scenarios, such as requiring MFA when accessing sensitive SharePoint documents or blocking legacy authentication protocols to reduce exposure.

The integration of Conditional Access with Microsoft Defender for Identity, Intune, and Purview solutions provides comprehensive security and compliance coverage. Organizations gain real-time visibility into access risks, enforce adaptive policies, and strengthen compliance posture while enabling secure productivity for users. Ultimately, Conditional Access ensures that only trusted users on compliant devices can access critical resources, making it a cornerstone of modern Microsoft 365 security strategy.

Question 14:

Which Microsoft 365 solution helps organizations detect and respond to threats using signals from identities, endpoints, and cloud apps?

Answer:

A) Microsoft 365 Defender
B) Microsoft Purview Compliance Manager
C) Microsoft Entra ID
D) Microsoft Intune

Explanation:

Option A is correct. Microsoft 365 Defender is an integrated threat protection platform that consolidates signals from multiple Microsoft security services, including identities, endpoints, cloud apps, and email. It provides organizations with unified threat detection, investigation, and automated response capabilities. Microsoft 365 Defender leverages machine learning, behavioral analytics, and real-time intelligence to detect complex attacks across multiple vectors, helping security teams identify and remediate threats quickly.

The platform includes components such as Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Microsoft Defender for Office 365, and Microsoft Defender for Identity, which feed into a centralized dashboard to provide a holistic view of threats. Alerts are correlated across services to provide contextual insights, reducing alert fatigue and enabling faster response times. Automated investigation and remediation capabilities allow organizations to take predefined actions, such as isolating compromised devices, blocking malicious accounts, or removing harmful content.

Option B, Microsoft Purview Compliance Manager, focuses on regulatory compliance assessments and recommendations, not active threat detection or response. While it supports risk management in a compliance context, it does not analyze signals from endpoints, identities, or cloud apps for security incidents.

Option C, Microsoft Entra ID, manages identities and access controls. While it can integrate with security monitoring and risk-based conditional access policies, it does not provide the broad, unified detection and response capabilities that Microsoft 365 Defender offers.

Option D, Microsoft Intune, manages device compliance and security configurations. While Intune contributes endpoint security, it does not analyze signals across identities, cloud apps, and endpoints in a coordinated manner for threat detection or automated response.

Microsoft 365 Defender is essential for organizations implementing a unified, proactive security strategy. It aligns with Zero Trust principles, offering visibility into user behavior, endpoint status, and application activity. By correlating threat data across multiple sources, Defender identifies advanced attacks such as phishing campaigns, ransomware, lateral movement, and compromised credentials. Automated playbooks enable timely response to mitigate risks, while detailed reports support compliance and auditing requirements.

By using Microsoft 365 Defender in conjunction with Conditional Access, Entra ID, and Purview compliance tools, organizations gain an integrated approach to prevent, detect, and respond to threats while maintaining regulatory compliance and protecting sensitive data. This approach reduces operational complexity, enhances situational awareness, and improves overall organizational resilience against evolving cyber threats.

Question 15:

Which Microsoft 365 compliance solution allows organizations to classify, label, and protect sensitive information across emails, documents, and collaboration tools?

Answer:

A) Microsoft Purview Information Protection
B) Microsoft Defender for Office 365
C) Microsoft Entra ID
D) Microsoft Intune

Explanation:

Option A is correct. Microsoft Purview Information Protection is a comprehensive solution designed to classify, label, and protect sensitive information across Microsoft 365 services, including Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, OneDrive for Business, and Microsoft Teams. It enables organizations to identify critical information such as PII, financial data, intellectual property, and sensitive corporate documents, and apply protection policies to prevent unauthorized access, sharing, or leakage.

Information Protection allows administrators to define sensitivity labels, which can be applied automatically based on content inspection, user input, or manual assignment. These labels can enforce encryption, restrict copy/paste actions, prevent external sharing, and apply watermarks to sensitive documents. Policies can be tailored to organizational requirements and integrated with data loss prevention (DLP) policies to ensure comprehensive protection.

Option B, Microsoft Defender for Office 365, focuses primarily on email and collaboration threat protection, including phishing, malware, and business email compromise detection. While Defender protects communication channels, it does not classify or label content or enforce persistent protection across files and collaboration platforms.

Option C, Microsoft Entra ID, manages identity and access but does not provide classification, labeling, or protection of content. Entra ID policies can complement Purview Information Protection by controlling access to protected content, but content protection itself resides within Purview.

Option D, Microsoft Intune, manages endpoints and devices, enforcing security policies such as encryption, antivirus, and compliance reporting. While Intune contributes to protecting organizational data on devices, it does not classify, label, or protect sensitive content directly within Microsoft 365 services.

Microsoft Purview Information Protection supports regulatory compliance initiatives by ensuring that sensitive information is protected consistently, regardless of where it resides or how it is shared. Integration with DLP, retention policies, and Microsoft 365 compliance tools allows organizations to maintain control over their data, mitigate risk, and meet regulatory obligations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA.

Implementing Information Protection ensures that sensitive data remains secure even when shared externally, enables auditing and reporting for compliance, and reduces the risk of accidental or malicious data exposure. It forms a core component of a holistic information governance and security strategy, supporting both operational efficiency and regulatory compliance within Microsoft 365.

Question 16:

Which feature in Microsoft Entra ID allows organizations to detect and respond to risky sign-ins and compromised accounts?

Answer:

A) Identity Protection
B) Privileged Identity Management
C) Conditional Access
D) Microsoft Purview Compliance Manager

Explanation:

Option A is correct. Identity Protection in Microsoft Entra ID is designed to detect, investigate, and remediate risky sign-ins and compromised accounts by analyzing signals such as user activity, sign-in behavior, and device state. It leverages machine learning and behavioral analytics to identify anomalies like impossible travel between sign-in locations, sign-ins from unusual IP addresses, or the use of leaked credentials. Identity Protection assigns risk levels to users and sign-ins, enabling automated actions such as requiring multi-factor authentication, blocking access, or enforcing password resets.

Option B, Privileged Identity Management, manages just-in-time access and role elevation for privileged accounts but does not specifically monitor user sign-ins for compromise. While it integrates with Identity Protection for securing privileged accounts, it is not designed to detect risky activity across all user accounts.

Option C, Conditional Access, enforces access policies based on signals like device compliance, location, or user risk. However, it relies on risk signals from Identity Protection to evaluate whether a sign-in is risky. Conditional Access itself does not detect compromised accounts.

Option D, Microsoft Purview Compliance Manager, focuses on regulatory compliance assessments and tracking improvement actions. It does not monitor user sign-in behavior or detect compromised accounts.

Identity Protection is essential for organizations implementing a Zero Trust strategy, as it provides real-time monitoring, risk scoring, automated response, and integration with Conditional Access and Privileged Identity Management to protect against account compromise while maintaining secure access across Microsoft 365.

Question 17:

Which Microsoft 365 tool allows organizations to perform compliance assessments, receive improvement recommendations, and track regulatory compliance scores?

Answer:

A) Microsoft Purview Compliance Manager
B) Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
C) Microsoft Intune
D) Microsoft Entra ID

Explanation:

Option A is correct. Microsoft Purview Compliance Manager is a centralized compliance assessment solution that allows organizations to evaluate their adherence to regulatory frameworks, industry standards, and internal policies. It provides actionable insights and guidance to help organizations address gaps in their compliance posture. The platform calculates a compliance score based on the implementation of recommended controls, enabling organizations to prioritize actions that have the greatest impact on reducing risk and meeting regulatory obligations.

Compliance Manager includes prebuilt assessments for standards such as GDPR, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and NIST, allowing organizations to measure their implementation of required controls against industry benchmarks. The platform collects evidence from Microsoft 365 services like Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, OneDrive, and Teams, ensuring that compliance scoring reflects actual system configurations and policy adherence. Administrators can assign remediation actions to specific users or teams, track progress, and document completed actions for audit purposes.

Option B, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, is primarily a security monitoring and threat protection tool. While it provides visibility into endpoint security, it does not evaluate regulatory compliance or track organizational adherence to standards. Defender contributes security insights that may support compliance, but it is not a compliance assessment platform.

Option C, Microsoft Intune, manages device compliance and security configurations, ensuring that endpoints meet organizational requirements. While Intune contributes to overall organizational security and indirectly supports compliance initiatives, it does not perform compliance assessments or track regulatory scores across Microsoft 365 services.

Option D, Microsoft Entra ID, focuses on identity and access management, providing authentication, access control, and governance features. Although Entra ID contributes to identity security, it does not calculate compliance scores or provide improvement recommendations for regulatory adherence.

Purview Compliance Manager is essential for organizations seeking a proactive approach to compliance, as it enables them to continuously monitor compliance status, remediate gaps, and generate audit-ready documentation. By integrating Compliance Manager with other Microsoft 365 compliance tools such as Data Loss Prevention, Information Protection, and Insider Risk Management, organizations can maintain a holistic compliance posture, ensuring both regulatory requirements and internal governance policies are met efficiently.

Question 18:

Which Microsoft 365 solution provides unified threat detection, investigation, and automated response across identities, endpoints, cloud apps, and emails?

Answer:

A) Microsoft 365 Defender
B) Microsoft Purview Compliance Portal
C) Microsoft Entra ID
D) Microsoft Intune

Explanation:

Option A is correct. Microsoft 365 Defender is a comprehensive security solution that provides unified threat detection, investigation, and automated response across multiple domains including identities, endpoints, emails, and cloud applications. The solution is designed to help organizations identify, correlate, and respond to complex cyber threats using a centralized platform. It integrates signals from Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Microsoft Defender for Office 365, and Microsoft Defender for Identity to provide a holistic view of potential security incidents and vulnerabilities.

Microsoft 365 Defender leverages advanced technologies such as machine learning, behavioral analytics, and threat intelligence to detect anomalies that may indicate malicious activity. For example, it can correlate a suspicious sign-in event in Entra ID with unusual activity on an endpoint or a phishing email detected in Exchange Online. This correlation allows security teams to understand the full scope of an attack, rather than responding to isolated alerts, improving both detection accuracy and response times.

The platform provides automated investigation and remediation capabilities, which can significantly reduce the operational burden on security teams. For instance, if a user clicks a malicious link in an email and malware is detected on their device, Microsoft 365 Defender can automatically isolate the device, remove malicious files, block compromised accounts, and apply relevant security policies across cloud apps. This level of automation ensures that threats are addressed quickly and consistently, minimizing the potential for data loss or network compromise.

Option B, Microsoft Purview Compliance Portal, focuses on compliance management, auditing, and governance rather than real-time threat detection. While it helps organizations implement regulatory and internal policies, it does not provide active security monitoring or automated remediation of cyber threats across identities, endpoints, or cloud apps. Purview Compliance Portal is primarily concerned with information governance and audit readiness rather than threat protection.

Option C, Microsoft Entra ID, provides identity and access management, including authentication, conditional access, and privileged identity management. Although Entra ID contributes critical identity signals to the security ecosystem, it does not independently provide unified threat detection or automated remediation across devices, emails, and cloud applications. Its role is focused on controlling access and managing identity security, feeding risk signals into broader security systems like Microsoft 365 Defender.

Option D, Microsoft Intune, manages device compliance and security settings across endpoints. While Intune enforces device security configurations and integrates with Conditional Access to ensure secure access, it is not a centralized threat detection and response platform. Intune primarily ensures that devices meet security policies, but it does not correlate security events from multiple sources to provide automated investigation and remediation.

By providing end-to-end visibility and integrated response, Microsoft 365 Defender is essential for organizations adopting a Zero Trust model. It enables proactive detection of threats, prevents lateral movement across the network, and provides actionable insights to security teams. Integration with other Microsoft security tools, such as Entra ID and Intune, enhances its ability to monitor risky sign-ins, compromised accounts, and vulnerable endpoints. Microsoft 365 Defender also supports regulatory compliance, as it maintains logs of incidents, remediation actions, and threat patterns that can be used for auditing and reporting.

In practice, Microsoft 365 Defender helps organizations respond to a variety of threat scenarios, including ransomware attacks, phishing campaigns, insider threats, and advanced persistent threats. By unifying signals from identities, devices, cloud apps, and emails, it allows security teams to see the full attack chain, correlate events, and take immediate action to mitigate risks. The platform’s automation and integration capabilities reduce response times, improve operational efficiency, and provide a structured, proactive approach to security, making it a critical component of a robust Microsoft 365 security strategy.

Question 19:

Which Microsoft 365 solution helps enforce access restrictions based on user risk, location, and device compliance in line with Zero Trust principles?

Answer:

A) Microsoft Entra ID Conditional Access
B) Microsoft Purview Compliance Manager
C) Microsoft Defender for Office 365
D) Microsoft Intune

Explanation:

Option A is correct. Microsoft Entra ID Conditional Access is a policy-based access control solution that evaluates multiple risk signals before granting or denying access to organizational resources. It allows administrators to enforce granular policies based on factors such as user risk, location, device compliance, session context, and the sensitivity of the resource being accessed. Conditional Access aligns with Zero Trust principles, which operate under the assumption that no user or device should be inherently trusted, and that access must be continuously validated and contextually controlled.

Conditional Access policies can require multi-factor authentication for high-risk users, block access from untrusted locations, and restrict access to compliant devices only. This ensures that organizational resources are protected even if credentials are compromised or devices are insecure. Conditional Access works in conjunction with Identity Protection to incorporate risk assessments and provides enforcement mechanisms that dynamically adjust access based on real-time conditions. For example, if a user signs in from a high-risk location on a non-compliant device, access can be automatically blocked, requiring remediation steps before granting entry.

Option B, Microsoft Purview Compliance Manager, tracks regulatory compliance, provides assessments, and assigns remediation tasks. While it supports governance and compliance initiatives, it does not control access to resources based on risk signals or enforce Zero Trust policies in real time.

Option C, Microsoft Defender for Office 365, provides protection against email and collaboration threats, including phishing, malware, and business email compromise. It detects and responds to threats but does not enforce access policies or dynamically restrict access to resources based on risk, location, or device compliance.

Option D, Microsoft Intune, manages endpoint devices and enforces security configurations. Intune ensures that devices comply with organizational standards, and it feeds compliance data into Conditional Access. However, Intune alone does not evaluate risk or enforce access policies without integration with Conditional Access. Its role is primarily to maintain device compliance, which Conditional Access then uses to make access decisions.

Conditional Access is critical in implementing a Zero Trust framework because it continuously evaluates the context of every access attempt. By integrating signals from identity, device, and location, Conditional Access reduces the attack surface, prevents unauthorized access, and mitigates the impact of compromised credentials. Organizations can implement policies that balance security and productivity, ensuring that employees can access the resources they need while sensitive data and applications remain protected. Conditional Access also supports monitoring and reporting, allowing security teams to track policy enforcement and identify patterns that may indicate potential risks, ultimately enhancing organizational resilience against internal and external threats.

Question 20:

Which Microsoft 365 solution enables organizations to classify, label, and protect sensitive content while integrating with data loss prevention and retention policies?

Answer:

A) Microsoft Purview Information Protection
B) Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
C) Microsoft Entra ID
D) Microsoft Intune

Explanation:

Option A is correct. Microsoft Purview Information Protection is a comprehensive solution designed to help organizations classify, label, and protect sensitive content across Microsoft 365 services such as Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, OneDrive, and Teams. The solution enables organizations to identify sensitive information including personally identifiable information, financial data, intellectual property, and confidential business documents. By applying sensitivity labels, organizations can enforce encryption, restrict access, prevent unauthorized sharing, and apply watermarks to protect content throughout its lifecycle.

Information Protection works in tandem with Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and retention policies, creating a unified approach to information governance and regulatory compliance. For example, sensitive emails or documents labeled as confidential can be automatically blocked from being shared externally through DLP rules. Retention policies can then ensure that the content is preserved for the required period for legal, regulatory, or organizational purposes, creating a comprehensive framework for managing sensitive data securely.

Option B, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, is focused on securing endpoints against malware, ransomware, and cyberattacks. While it is critical for device security, it does not classify, label, or enforce protection policies directly on content. Defender protects the infrastructure but does not manage the lifecycle or access of sensitive information across Microsoft 365 services.

Option C, Microsoft Entra ID, manages identities and access control. While it ensures that only authorized users can access resources, it does not classify content or enforce information protection policies. Entra ID supports Information Protection indirectly by controlling access to labeled content, but it does not provide classification, labeling, or DLP integration by itself.

Option D, Microsoft Intune, enforces device compliance and security configurations, ensuring that endpoints meet organizational standards. Intune contributes to protecting content on devices but does not classify or label content or enforce protection policies across Microsoft 365.

Purview Information Protection allows organizations to proactively safeguard sensitive information and ensure compliance with regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA. It provides a consistent framework for data protection, enabling automated labeling, monitoring, and protection of content across emails, documents, and collaboration platforms. By integrating with DLP and retention policies, organizations can prevent accidental or intentional data leaks, enforce governance standards, and maintain an audit trail for compliance reporting. The solution also enhances employee productivity by allowing secure collaboration without compromising sensitive information, making it an essential component of a comprehensive Microsoft 365 compliance and security strategy.