Exam SY0-701 topic 1 question 18 discussion

A. Secured Zones Explanation: In the context of implementing Zero Trust principles within the data plane, secured zones are most relevant. Zero Trust principles emphasize the need to eliminate implicit trust and enforce strict access controls. By evaluating and implementing secured zones, an organization can ensure that data is compartmentalized and that access is tightly controlled, aligning with the core tenets of Zero Trust. This approach helps to contain threats and limit lateral movement within the network, providing a strong foundation for a Zero Trust architecture.

From Dion Training: Control Plane: Adaptive Identity, Threat Scope Reduction, Policy-Driven Access Control, and secured zones. Data Plane: Subject/system, policy engine, policy administrator, and establishing policy enforcement points. (I've also been trying to verify this from other locations...it's been a challenge!)

In Zero Trust, everything must be verified — not just the network location but who the user or system (the "subject") is, and what role they have. When evaluating the data plane (where actual access to resources like data or applications happens), evaluating the subject's role ensures only authorized roles can access specific data or services. This matches the principle of least privilege, a core part of Z

Defines what access a user or service (subject) has to data based on their role. Highly relevant—Zero Trust enforces least-privilege access based on role, identity, and context.

B. Subject Role

Zero Trust principles within the data plane focus on enforcing strict access controls to ensure that only authorized entities (subjects) can access specific data resources. Evaluating subject roles aligns with Zero Trust because: Least Privilege Access: Zero Trust enforces the principle of least privilege, meaning that access to data is granted based on predefined roles and responsibilities. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Subject roles define what actions a user, service, or device can perform on data within the data plane. Continuous Verification: Access is granted dynamically based on role, identity, and other contextual factors (e.g., device security posture or network conditions).

This question stinks. At first I would have answered "A" as Implicit trust zones are part of the Data Plane and it was listed first. HOWEVER, the BEST answer is likely Subject role. Subject role is listed as part of data plane in much more plain, simple terms.

The decision to trust is based upon adaptive identity authentication (get certified, get ahead)

When evaluating the implementation of Zero Trust principles within the data plane, the most relevant factor for an analyst to evaluate would be: B. Subject role It is crucial to assess how roles and identities are managed and enforced to ensure secure access and control within the Zero Trust framework. By focusing on subject roles, the analyst can determine how access controls and permissions are applied to users, ensuring that only the right individuals have access to the necessary data, consistent with the principles of Zero Trust.

B. Subject role Keywords in this question is [Data plane] & [Zero Trust] The control plane layout the policies and procedures Control plane typically encompasses several key elements: 1. Adaptive identity 2. Threat Scope Reduction 3. Policy-Driven Access Control 4.Secured Zones The data plane is going to ensure that the policies properly executed Data planes consists of: 1. Subject/System 2. Policy Enforcement Point I got this information from Jason Dion videos [Section 2: Fundamentals of Security - 15. Zero Trust (OBJ 1.2)

Control Plane: Manages policies, including Adaptive Identity, Policy-Driven Access Control, Threat Scope Reduction, and the Policy Decision Point. (Source: CompTIA official guide - Latest) Data Plane: Implements the policies set by the control plane and includes Subject (user/device), Policy Enforcement Points, and Implicit Trusted Zones​ Source: CompTIA official guide - Latest) The question specifically asks about implementing Zero Trust principles in the data plane. The role of a subject (B) is part of the data plane, but it does not define how Zero Trust is implemented. Instead, Threat Scope Reduction (D) ensures that subject access is restricted to the minimum necessary resources, which is a key principle in the data plane.

It's crucial for implementing Zero Trust at the data movement level and this provides concrete controls over actual data flows

I couldn't make up my mind with all of the different answers, every AI tool said D so that's what i went with.

I thought it was A but i see B is the most voted. can anybody explain to me why. Also who needs a reading partner to write in 3 weeks max

Yes, adaptive identity is also highly relevant when evaluating the implementation of Zero Trust principles within the data plane.

When evaluating the implementation of Zero Trust principles within the data plane, the analyst should focus on the Policy Enforcement Point (PEP). The PEP is a critical component of the data plane in a Zero Trust architecture. It acts as the gateway for secure access to corporate resources, enforcing adaptive access control capabilities. The PEP intercepts access requests, authenticates the requestor through the Policy Administrator (PA), and dynamically authorizes access based on policy decisions.

Specialist evaluate Zero Trust. At this stage roles shall be assigned. When user changes current zone to data zone leaving current trust level he must be get new (elevated) authorization.