- A
Enable the Azure SQL Database server's firewall to allow Azure services to access the server.
Why wrong: The SQL server firewall controls access to the SQL server, not access to the Key Vault.
- B
Configure the Key Vault firewall to allow trusted Microsoft services to bypass the firewall.
This setting allows trusted Azure services, including Azure SQL Database, to access the Key Vault when using a managed identity.
- C
Assign a user-assigned managed identity to the SQL server instead of a system-assigned identity.
Why wrong: Both system and user-assigned identities work; the issue is not the identity type but the firewall.
- D
Change the Key Vault firewall to allow all networks.
Why wrong: This would open the Key Vault to public access, which defeats the security requirement.
AZ-500 Secure compute, storage, and databases Practice Question
This AZ-500 practice question tests your understanding of secure compute, storage, and databases. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. A key principle to apply: key Vault firewalls block public network access by default.. 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.
A company uses Azure SQL Database with Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) protected by a customer-managed key stored in Azure Key Vault. The Key Vault has a firewall enabled that blocks all public network access. The SQL server has a system-assigned managed identity with the 'Key Vault Crypto Service Encryption User' role assigned at the key scope. Despite this, TDE operations fail because the SQL server cannot access the Key Vault. What additional configuration is required?
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
Configure the Key Vault firewall to allow trusted Microsoft services to bypass the firewall.
The Key Vault firewall blocks all public network access, so even though the SQL server has the correct managed identity and role assignment, the connection is denied by the firewall. By enabling the 'Allow trusted Microsoft services to bypass this firewall' setting, Azure SQL Database (a trusted Microsoft service) can connect to the Key Vault without exposing it to the public internet. This is the required additional configuration to resolve the TDE access failure.
Key principle: Key Vault firewalls block public network access by default.
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 the Azure SQL Database server's firewall to allow Azure services to access the server.
Why it's wrong here
The SQL server firewall controls access to the SQL server, not access to the Key Vault.
- ✓
Configure the Key Vault firewall to allow trusted Microsoft services to bypass the firewall.
Why this is correct
This setting allows trusted Azure services, including Azure SQL Database, to access the Key Vault when using a managed identity.
Related concept
Key Vault firewalls block public network access by default.
- ✗
Assign a user-assigned managed identity to the SQL server instead of a system-assigned identity.
Why it's wrong here
Both system and user-assigned identities work; the issue is not the identity type but the firewall.
- ✗
Change the Key Vault firewall to allow all networks.
Why it's wrong here
This would open the Key Vault to public access, which defeats the security requirement.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse the SQL server firewall with the Key Vault firewall, or think that a managed identity alone is sufficient without considering network-level access controls.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The 'Allow trusted Microsoft services' bypass works by checking the source IP of the request against a list of Azure service tags (e.g., 'AzureCloud') and verifying that the caller is an Azure service with a managed identity that has been granted permissions. This mechanism allows Azure SQL Database to authenticate to Key Vault using its system-assigned managed identity without exposing the vault to the internet. In a real-world scenario, this is critical for compliance with security policies that require private endpoints or firewalls on Key Vault.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Key Vault firewalls block public network access by default.
- Trusted Microsoft services bypass allows specific Azure services to access Key Vault.
- Azure SQL Database is a trusted Microsoft service for Key Vault access.
- Managed identities provide authentication, but network rules control access.
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
Key Vault firewalls block public network access by default.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review key Vault firewalls block public network access by default., then practise related AZ-500 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this AZ-500 question test?
Secure compute, storage, and databases — This question tests Secure compute, storage, and databases — Key Vault firewalls block public network access by default..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure the Key Vault firewall to allow trusted Microsoft services to bypass the firewall. — The Key Vault firewall blocks all public network access, so even though the SQL server has the correct managed identity and role assignment, the connection is denied by the firewall. By enabling the 'Allow trusted Microsoft services to bypass this firewall' setting, Azure SQL Database (a trusted Microsoft service) can connect to the Key Vault without exposing it to the public internet. This is the required additional configuration to resolve the TDE access failure.
What should I do if I get this AZ-500 question wrong?
Review key Vault firewalls block public network access by default., then practise related AZ-500 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Key Vault firewalls block public network access by default.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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