Question 1hardmultiple choice
Full question →hardmultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A company uses Azure SQL Database with Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) protected by a customer-managed key (CMK) stored in Azure Key Vault. The Key Vault has a firewall enabled that denies all public network access. The SQL server is in the same region and has a system-assigned managed identity with the 'Key Vault Crypto Service Encryption User' role assigned at the key scope. However, TDE operations fail because the SQL server cannot access the Key Vault. What additional configuration is required to allow the SQL server to access the Key Vault for TDE operations?
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
Configure a private endpoint for the SQL server to the Key Vault.
While a private endpoint could provide connectivity, it is not necessary because Azure SQL Database is a trusted service that can be granted an exception to the Key Vault firewall. Using a private endpoint would also require additional networking setup and is not the simplest solution.
B
Best answer
Enable the 'Allow trusted Microsoft services to bypass the firewall' setting on the Key Vault.
This setting allows trusted Azure services, including Azure SQL Database, to access the Key Vault even when the firewall is enabled. Since the SQL server's managed identity already has the cryptographic role, this is the missing piece to allow TDE operations.
C
Distractor review
Change the Key Vault firewall to allow all Azure services.
Allowing all Azure services is a broader setting than necessary and could expose the Key Vault to other services. The trusted service exception is the recommended and more secure option.
D
Distractor review
Create a VNet service endpoint for Microsoft.KeyVault on the SQL server's subnet.
Service endpoints enable a more secure connection from a VNet to Azure services, but they do not grant permission for a trusted managed service to bypass the Key Vault firewall. The trusted service exception is required.
Common exam trap
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.
Technical deep dive
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.
Related practice questions
Related AZ-500 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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this AZ-500 question test?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable the 'Allow trusted Microsoft services to bypass the firewall' setting on the Key Vault. — Azure SQL Database is a trusted Microsoft service that can bypass the Key Vault firewall when the 'Allow trusted Microsoft services to bypass the firewall' setting is enabled. This allows the SQL server's managed identity to authenticate to Key Vault even when public network access is denied. The managed identity role assignment provides the necessary permissions, but the network access must be allowed via this exception. Configuring a private endpoint is not required because the SQL server can use the trusted service exception to reach the Key Vault over the Microsoft backbone network.
What should I do if I get this AZ-500 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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