CompTIA Cloud+ Practice Test

What user system is being troubleshot when users cannot access a cloud-based collaboration system?

1. Authentication

2. Authorization

3. Federation

4. SSO

The correct answer is: Authentication

When users are unable to access a cloud-based collaboration system, the issue is often related to the authentication process. Authentication is the mechanism by which users verify their identities to gain access to systems and applications. If users cannot log in or are denied access, it suggests that there may be a problem with how their credentials are being validated. This issue could arise from incorrect usernames or passwords, expired accounts, or misconfigured authentication protocols. Ensuring that the authentication process is functioning correctly is critical because it directly impacts whether users can access the system. Authorization, on the other hand, comes into play after authentication and determines what a user is allowed to do within a system once they have logged in. Federation and Single Sign-On (SSO) facilitate the user experience and provide access across multiple services; however, they rely on the underlying authentication system to be successful. Without successful authentication, users will not reach the authorization stage or take advantage of federation or SSO capabilities.