- A
NSG rules are evaluated starting with the lowest priority number.
Correct because Azure processes NSG rules in ascending priority order, so smaller numbers are checked first.
- B
An NSG can be linked only to a subnet, not to a network interface card.
Why wrong: False because an NSG can be associated with either a subnet or an individual network interface.
- C
A deny rule with a lower number can block traffic even if an allow rule exists later.
Correct because the first matching rule wins, so an earlier deny stops evaluation for that traffic.
- D
Azure ignores NSG rules whenever a route table is attached to the subnet.
Why wrong: False because routing and security are separate functions. A route table does not disable NSG evaluation.
- E
Security rules are processed alphabetically by name.
Why wrong: False because NSG processing uses numeric priority, not the rule name or alphabetical order.
Quick Answer
The answer is that a deny rule with a lower priority number can block traffic even if an allow rule with a higher number exists later. This is correct because network security group rule processing order follows strict priority logic: rules are evaluated from the lowest priority number to the highest, and the first rule that matches the traffic is applied immediately, regardless of any subsequent rules. On the AZ-104 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how NSGs enforce security—a common trap is assuming that allow rules override denies, or that rules are processed from high to low numbers. Remember that a lower number means higher priority, so a deny at priority 100 will always block traffic before an allow at priority 200 gets a chance to match. A helpful memory tip is "Lowest number wins first," or think of it like a bouncer at a club: the strictest rule (lowest number) gets the first say.
AZ-104 Implement and Manage Virtual Networking Practice Question
This AZ-104 practice question tests your understanding of implement and manage virtual networking. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
Which two statements about network security group processing are correct? Select two.
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
NSG rules are evaluated starting with the lowest priority number.
Option A is correct because NSG rules are processed in order of increasing priority number, meaning the rule with the lowest priority number (e.g., 100) is evaluated first. This ensures that more specific or critical rules can be applied before broader rules with higher priority numbers.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
NSG rules are evaluated starting with the lowest priority number.
Why this is correct
Correct because Azure processes NSG rules in ascending priority order, so smaller numbers are checked first.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
An NSG can be linked only to a subnet, not to a network interface card.
Why it's wrong here
False because an NSG can be associated with either a subnet or an individual network interface.
- ✓
A deny rule with a lower number can block traffic even if an allow rule exists later.
Why this is correct
Correct because the first matching rule wins, so an earlier deny stops evaluation for that traffic.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Azure ignores NSG rules whenever a route table is attached to the subnet.
Why it's wrong here
False because routing and security are separate functions. A route table does not disable NSG evaluation.
- ✗
Security rules are processed alphabetically by name.
Why it's wrong here
False because NSG processing uses numeric priority, not the rule name or alphabetical order.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse NSG rule processing order with alphabetical or sequential naming, or mistakenly believe NSGs cannot be applied to NICs, leading them to select options B or E instead of the correct priority-based evaluation logic.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, NSG rules are evaluated in ascending order of the priority field (range 100–4096) until a match is found; if no rule matches, traffic is denied by default. A common subtlety is that a deny rule with a lower priority number (e.g., 100) will block traffic even if a later allow rule (e.g., 200) exists, because the first matching rule is applied. In real-world scenarios, this allows administrators to create explicit deny rules for high-risk traffic before broader allow rules for legitimate traffic.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A healthcare organisation deploys an application with a public-facing web tier and a private database tier. The database subnet has no public IP and only accepts connections from the web tier's security group. Questions like this test whether you can design cloud network isolation using VNets/VPCs, subnets, and security group rules.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Implement and Manage Virtual Networking — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this AZ-104 question test?
Implement and Manage Virtual Networking — This question tests Implement and Manage Virtual Networking — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: NSG rules are evaluated starting with the lowest priority number. — Option A is correct because NSG rules are processed in order of increasing priority number, meaning the rule with the lowest priority number (e.g., 100) is evaluated first. This ensures that more specific or critical rules can be applied before broader rules with higher priority numbers.
What should I do if I get this AZ-104 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This AZ-104 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft 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 AZ-104 exam.
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