Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Entry-level Technician (PCCET)Cloud SecurityMedium

A multinational corporation is adopting a hybrid cloud strategy, utilizing both their on-premises Active Directory and cloud-based applications. They want to ensure that employees can use their existing corporate credentials to access cloud applications without re-entering them. Which security concept is crucial for achieving this seamless access?

  1. AFederated Identity Management
  2. BCloud Security Posture Management (CSPM)
  3. CRole-Based Access Control (RBAC)
  4. DMulti-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Federated Identity Management

Federated Identity Management allows users to authenticate once with a single identity provider (like on-premises Active Directory) and gain access to multiple services and applications, including those in the cloud, without needing separate credentials.

Why the other options are wrong

  • B. CSPM monitors cloud configurations for security posture and compliance, unrelated to identity federation.
  • C. RBAC defines permissions based on roles, but doesn't facilitate credential reuse across disparate systems.
  • D. MFA strengthens authentication but doesn't enable single sign-on across different identity providers.

Federated Identity Management

A system that allows users to use a single set of login credentials to access multiple applications and services across different security domains, often involving an on-premises identity provider and cloud services through a trusted relationship.

  • Enables Single Sign-On (SSO).
  • Relies on trusted relationships between identity providers.
  • Commonly uses protocols like SAML or OIDC.

Memory trick: Federated Identity is like a trusted 'passport' for all your cloud travels.

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