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
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
Best answer
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.
Distractor review
Create a private endpoint for the SQL server to access the Key Vault
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.
Distractor review
Enable public network access on the Key Vault
Disabling the Key Vault firewall entirely would expose it to public internet, which violates the requirement to block public access.
Distractor review
Assign the SQL server's managed identity the 'Reader' role on the Key Vault
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 trap
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
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.
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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?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable the Key Vault firewall to allow trusted Microsoft services — When Key Vault firewall is enabled, Azure services that need to access the vault must be explicitly allowed. The 'Allow trusted Microsoft services' setting bypasses the firewall for specific Azure services like Azure SQL Database when they use managed identities for TDE. This is the simplest and recommended configuration. Private endpoints are an alternative but are not required for this scenario.
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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