The answer is customer-managed keys (CMK) in Azure Key Vault, along with default encryption and role-based access control (RBAC). Azure Cosmos DB automatically encrypts all data at rest using Microsoft-managed keys, but by configuring CMK you add a second layer of control, ensuring only your organization’s key in Key Vault can decrypt the data. RBAC further protects data at rest by restricting which identities—such as users or applications—can read or modify the database. On the AZ-204 exam, this question tests your understanding that data at rest protection in Cosmos DB is multi-layered, not just a single feature. A common trap is confusing Azure Firewall (network security) or TLS (data in transit) with at-rest protection. Remember the mnemonic “C-R-E”: Customer-managed keys, Role-based access, and Encryption by default—these three cover data at rest in Cosmos DB.
AZ-204 Implement Azure security Practice Question
This AZ-204 practice question tests your understanding of implement azure security. 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 THREE measures can you use to protect data at rest in Azure Cosmos DB? (Choose three.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enable encryption at rest using Microsoft-managed keys.
Options A, B, and C are correct. Cosmos DB encrypts all data at rest by default using Microsoft-managed keys. Customer-managed keys (CMK) add an extra layer of protection. RBAC ensures only authorized principals can access data. Option D is wrong because Azure Firewall is for network security, not data at rest. Option E is wrong because TLS protects data in transit.
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.
✓
Enable encryption at rest using Microsoft-managed keys.
Deploy Azure Firewall in front of the Cosmos DB account.
Why it's wrong here
Firewall protects network traffic, not data at rest.
Common exam traps
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.
Detailed technical explanation
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.
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 company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this AZ-204 question in full detail.
Identify which AZ-204 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Implement Azure security — This question tests Implement Azure security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable encryption at rest using Microsoft-managed keys. — Options A, B, and C are correct. Cosmos DB encrypts all data at rest by default using Microsoft-managed keys. Customer-managed keys (CMK) add an extra layer of protection. RBAC ensures only authorized principals can access data. Option D is wrong because Azure Firewall is for network security, not data at rest. Option E is wrong because TLS protects data in transit.
What should I do if I get this AZ-204 question wrong?
Identify which AZ-204 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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