Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
You are developing an ASP.NET Core web app that uses Azure SQL Database. The SQL connection string contains a password that must be rotated every 30 days. The app runs on Azure App Service. You want to store the connection string securely and enable automatic rotation without redeploying the app. Which approach should you use?
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
Store the connection string in an App Setting as a plain text value and use deployment slots to swap when the password changes.
Plain text storage violates security best practices and does not enable automatic rotation. Slot swaps require manual updates and redeployment.
B
Best answer
Store the connection string in an App Setting and use Key Vault references. Configure a Key Vault policy to automatically rotate the secret.
This approach uses a Key Vault reference in the App Setting, which the runtime resolves automatically. The secret can have an expiration date, and you can automate its renewal using Azure automation or functions, enabling rotation without redeployment.
C
Distractor review
Use a managed identity to access the SQL database directly, bypassing the connection string entirely.
Managed identity can be used for Azure SQL if the identity is granted access, but the question specifically requires storing a connection string (which implies a password-based auth) and rotating it. Managed identity eliminates the need for a connection string password.
D
Distractor review
Store the connection string in Azure Key Vault and use an ARM template with a secret reference at deployment time.
ARM template references are resolved at deployment time, not runtime, so the secret is baked into the deployment. Rotating the secret would require redeployment.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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.
Related practice questions
Related AZ-204 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
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.
Question 1
An application stores customer invoices in Azure Blob Storage. Deleted blobs must be recoverable for 14 days. What should be enabled?
Question 2
You are deploying a containerized application to Azure Container Instances. The application requires a custom domain name and SSL/TLS termination. You need to configure these features. Which resource should you create alongside the container group?
Question 3
A developer needs to run a Kusto query against application request data to identify 95th percentile latency by operation. Where should the query be run? The architecture review board prefers a managed AWS-native control.
Question 4
You are developing a web app that authenticates users via Microsoft Entra ID. The app needs to read the user's profile and send emails on their behalf. You want to minimize user consent prompts. Which OAuth 2.0 grant type should you use?
Question 5
You are developing an Azure Function that processes messages from an Azure Service Bus queue. The function uses a Service Bus queue trigger and runs on a Consumption Plan. The queue receives a high volume of messages in bursts. You need to ensure that the function scales out to handle the load but does not exceed 10 concurrent instances. Which configuration should you apply?
Question 6
You are monitoring an Azure App Service using Application Insights. You notice that the server response time is high for certain requests. You need to drill down to see which external dependencies (like databases or APIs) are causing the delay. Which Application Insights feature should you use?
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this AZ-204 question test?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Store the connection string in an App Setting and use Key Vault references. Configure a Key Vault policy to automatically rotate the secret. — Using Azure Key Vault with a managed identity allows the App Service to securely retrieve secrets. Key Vault supports expiration and rotation policies. By setting an expiration policy on the secret and periodically updating it, you can achieve automatic rotation. The App Service uses a Key Vault reference in the Application Settings to point to the secret, and the SDK automatically fetches the latest version.
What should I do if I get this AZ-204 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
Discussion
Loading comments…
Sign in to join the discussion.