Databricks-DA-Assoc Executing Queries with Databricks SQL Practice Question
An analyst is preparing a report and needs to ensure that sensitive PII columns are not exposed. Which TWO techniques can be used to achieve this in Databricks SQL?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often select table-level access or row filters instead of column-specific techniques, forgetting that dynamic data masking and selective column GRANT statements specifically protect sensitive PII columns without blocking overall table access.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Apply Dynamic Data Masking to the sensitive columns.
Data governance and security are paramount in Databricks SQL. Using column-level filtering and dynamic data masking ensures that analysts only see the data they are authorized to access. These security controls are enforced at the query plan level by Unity Catalog, ensuring that security policies are consistent regardless of the tool or interface the user is utilizing to connect to the warehouse.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Apply Dynamic Data Masking to the sensitive columns.
Why this is correct
Dynamic data masking allows administrators to redact or hash sensitive data based on the user's role. For example, a partial mask can be applied to email addresses or SSNs, ensuring the raw data is hidden while still allowing analytical processing on the masked values by unauthorized users.
- ✗
Use the GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES command on all tables.
Why it's wrong here
Granting all privileges is a security anti-pattern that violates the principle of least privilege. It gives users full control, including the ability to drop tables or grant permissions to others, which creates significant security risks rather than protecting sensitive data through controlled, restricted access for specific user roles.
- ✗
Implement Row-Level Security using a filter clause in the view definition.
Why it's wrong here
While row-level security is a valid strategy, the prompt specifically asks about protecting sensitive PII columns, not rows. Row-level security limits which records a user sees, but it does not redact specific column values within the rows that the user is permitted to access, failing the requirement for column-level protection.
- ✓
Use the GRANT SELECT command only on non-sensitive columns.
Why this is correct
By explicitly granting SELECT privileges only on columns that do not contain PII, you effectively prevent users from accessing sensitive data. This is a simple, effective method for column-level security that leverages the underlying Unity Catalog access control model to ensure data protection at the schema and object levels.
- ✗
Run the query as a superuser to bypass masks.
Why it's wrong here
Bypassing security controls is dangerous and generally not possible for standard analysts. Databricks SQL security is designed to be enforced consistently regardless of the user's session role. Relying on superuser access for reporting is an improper security practice that undermines the governance model designed to protect organizational data.
About these practice questions
This Databricks-DA-Assoc question is part of Courseiva's 291-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Databricks exam blueprint
This Databricks-DA-Assoc practice question is part of Courseiva's free Databricks certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the Databricks-DA-Assoc exam.