- A
Use Dataplex data quality rules with a custom SQL regex
Why wrong: Dataplex quality rules do not perform de-identification.
- B
Use Cloud Data Loss Prevention API with Cloud Composer
Why wrong: While possible, Cloud Scheduler is simpler for scheduled jobs.
- C
Use BigQuery column-level security with classification
Why wrong: Column-level security restricts access but does not mask data.
- D
Use Cloud DLP inspect and de-identify jobs triggered by Cloud Scheduler
DLP supports scheduled inspection and de-identification via Cloud Scheduler.
PDE Maintaining and Automating Data Workloads Practice Question
This PDE practice question tests your understanding of maintaining and automating data workloads. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A company wants to use Cloud DLP to inspect data in BigQuery for sensitive information and de-identify it by masking credit card numbers. They want to perform this on a schedule. Which approach should they take?
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
Use Cloud DLP inspect and de-identify jobs triggered by Cloud Scheduler
Cloud DLP can inspect BigQuery tables and de-identify using transforms like masking. Scheduling can be done via Cloud Scheduler.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use Dataplex data quality rules with a custom SQL regex
Why it's wrong here
Dataplex quality rules do not perform de-identification.
- ✗
Use Cloud Data Loss Prevention API with Cloud Composer
Why it's wrong here
While possible, Cloud Scheduler is simpler for scheduled jobs.
- ✗
Use BigQuery column-level security with classification
Why it's wrong here
Column-level security restricts access but does not mask data.
- ✓
Use Cloud DLP inspect and de-identify jobs triggered by Cloud Scheduler
Why this is correct
DLP supports scheduled inspection and de-identification via Cloud Scheduler.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
- Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
- The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
- Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
- Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
- Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related PDE subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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Maintaining and Automating Data Workloads — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PDE question test?
Maintaining and Automating Data Workloads — This question tests Maintaining and Automating Data Workloads — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use Cloud DLP inspect and de-identify jobs triggered by Cloud Scheduler — Cloud DLP can inspect BigQuery tables and de-identify using transforms like masking. Scheduling can be done via Cloud Scheduler.
What should I do if I get this PDE question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related PDE subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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