User access to the cloud environment can be administered in all of the following ways except?

In a cloud environment, user access administration primarily revolves around the roles and responsibilities between the customer (the organization using the cloud service) and the cloud service provider (the entity delivering the cloud service). The correct answer highlights an unlikely scenario: a customer administering user access on behalf of the provider.

Typically, cloud service providers maintain control over certain aspects of the cloud infrastructure, while customers are empowered to manage their own access levels and permissions within the parameters defined by the provider. Therefore, customers directly managing access (an acceptable form of administration) occurs under their authority and security policies. Additionally, third parties may assist customers in managing access, and cloud providers often offer administrative support based on customer demands.

However, the notion of customers administering access on behalf of the provider does not align with typical cloud governance and operational models. The provider usually retains decision-making authority and responsibility for overall access management at the infrastructure level, ensuring centralized control and compliance with security policies. Consequently, option D illustrates a misunderstanding of these roles, making it the correct choice among the alternatives provided.