Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A Windows file server VM in Azure needs to mount an Azure file share by using existing Active Directory Domain Services credentials. The security team does not want to use storage account keys. Which authentication option should be configured for Azure Files?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
A
Distractor review
Shared key authorization, because it is the only method supported by Azure Files.
Shared key authorization works, but it is explicitly not what the security team wants. It also relies on the storage account key instead of domain credentials.
B
Best answer
Azure Files identity-based authentication using Active Directory Domain Services.
Azure Files can use AD DS-based identity authentication so Windows users and servers can access the share with domain credentials. This avoids storing or distributing storage account keys and fits the requirement to use existing directory identities.
C
Distractor review
A user delegation SAS, because it maps the share automatically to domain accounts.
A user delegation SAS is for delegated access to blob data, not for mounting Azure file shares with AD DS credentials.
D
Distractor review
Anonymous access, because Windows file servers can mount Azure shares without authentication.
Azure Files does not use anonymous access for secure enterprise file share mounts. Authentication is required for this scenario.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
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More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
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Question 2
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Question 3
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Question 4
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Question 5
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Question 6
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this AZ-104 question test?
Authentication checks who the user is.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Azure Files identity-based authentication using Active Directory Domain Services. — Azure Files identity-based authentication with AD DS is the right choice when a Windows server should mount a file share using existing domain credentials. It allows the environment to avoid storage account keys and aligns with standard Windows authentication practices. This is especially useful in enterprises that already manage users and servers in Active Directory Domain Services and want controlled, auditable access. Why others are wrong: Shared key access would expose or require the storage account key, which the scenario explicitly rejects. A user delegation SAS is not the correct mechanism for mounting Azure Files with domain credentials. Anonymous access is not a secure or supported enterprise answer for this use case.
What should I do if I get this AZ-104 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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