- A
Enable the Key Vault firewall to allow trusted Microsoft services
This option allows Azure SQL Database (as a trusted Microsoft service) to access Key Vault through the firewall, enabling TDE operations with the CMK.
- B
Create a private endpoint for the SQL server to access the Key Vault
Why wrong: A private endpoint would provide a private IP connection, but it is not required if the 'Allow trusted Microsoft services' setting is enabled. It adds complexity for this scenario.
- C
Enable public network access on the Key Vault
Why wrong: Disabling the Key Vault firewall entirely would expose it to public internet, which violates the requirement to block public access.
- D
Assign the SQL server's managed identity the 'Reader' role on the Key Vault
Why wrong: The managed identity already has the necessary cryptographic permissions ('Key Vault Crypto Service Encryption User'). The 'Reader' role does not provide key access. The issue is network connectivity, not permissions.
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: azure Key Vault firewalls block all 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) using 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 has a system-assigned managed identity assigned the 'Key Vault Crypto Service Encryption User' role. However, TDE operations are failing because the SQL server cannot access the Key Vault. What additional configuration is needed?
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
Enable the Key Vault firewall to allow trusted Microsoft services
When Azure Key Vault has its firewall enabled to deny all public network access, it blocks all traffic, including requests from Azure SQL Database. By enabling the 'Allow trusted Microsoft services' exception, Azure Key Vault permits specific Azure platform services (like Azure SQL Database) to bypass the firewall, provided the service authenticates using a managed identity with appropriate permissions. This setting is essential for TDE with CMK because the SQL server's system-assigned managed identity must reach the Key Vault to unwrap the encryption key, even when public access is disabled.
Key principle: Azure Key Vault firewalls block all 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 Key Vault firewall to allow trusted Microsoft services
Why this is correct
This option allows Azure SQL Database (as a trusted Microsoft service) to access Key Vault through the firewall, enabling TDE operations with the CMK.
Related concept
Azure Key Vault firewalls block all public network access by default.
- ✗
Create a private endpoint for the SQL server to access the Key Vault
Why it's wrong here
A private endpoint would provide a private IP connection, but it is not required if the 'Allow trusted Microsoft services' setting is enabled. It adds complexity for this scenario.
- ✗
Enable public network access on the Key Vault
Why it's wrong here
Disabling the Key Vault firewall entirely would expose it to public internet, which violates the requirement to block public access.
- ✗
Assign the SQL server's managed identity the 'Reader' role on the Key Vault
Why it's wrong here
The managed identity already has the necessary cryptographic permissions ('Key Vault Crypto Service Encryption User'). The 'Reader' role does not provide key access. The issue is network connectivity, not permissions.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume a private endpoint is required for any cross-service communication when firewalls are involved, but Azure's 'Allow trusted Microsoft services' exception is a simpler, first-line configuration that enables necessary platform-level access without exposing the Key Vault to the internet.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
A private endpoint would provide a private IP connection, but it is not required if the 'Allow trusted Microsoft services' setting is enabled. It adds complexity for this scenario.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, Azure SQL Database's TDE with CMK uses the SQL server's managed identity to authenticate to Azure Key Vault via Azure AD, requesting the 'unwrap key' operation on the TDE protector key. The Key Vault firewall's 'Allow trusted Microsoft services' exception works by checking that the caller's identity is from a trusted Azure service (like SQL Database) and that the service has the required RBAC or access policy permissions; it does not bypass authentication but rather allows the request through the firewall. In a real-world scenario, if an organization requires strict network isolation, they would combine this exception with a private endpoint on the Key Vault for the SQL server's outbound traffic, but the trusted services exception is the minimal fix for the described failure.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Azure Key Vault firewalls block all public network access by default.
- Trusted Microsoft services can bypass Key Vault firewalls when enabled.
- Azure SQL Database is considered a trusted Microsoft service for Key Vault access.
- This bypass allows secure, internal communication without public exposure.
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
Azure Key Vault firewalls block all 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
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Review azure Key Vault firewalls block all 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 — Azure Key Vault firewalls block all public network access by default..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable the Key Vault firewall to allow trusted Microsoft services — When Azure Key Vault has its firewall enabled to deny all public network access, it blocks all traffic, including requests from Azure SQL Database. By enabling the 'Allow trusted Microsoft services' exception, Azure Key Vault permits specific Azure platform services (like Azure SQL Database) to bypass the firewall, provided the service authenticates using a managed identity with appropriate permissions. This setting is essential for TDE with CMK because the SQL server's system-assigned managed identity must reach the Key Vault to unwrap the encryption key, even when public access is disabled.
What should I do if I get this AZ-500 question wrong?
Review azure Key Vault firewalls block all 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?
Azure Key Vault firewalls block all public network access by default.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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