The correct answer is to implement Azure Firewall for perimeter control and apply Network Security Groups (NSGs) for subnet-level filtering. Azure Firewall acts as a managed, stateful firewall that inspects and controls traffic entering and leaving your virtual network, while NSGs provide granular, rule-based filtering at the subnet or NIC level to restrict inbound and outbound flows. On the AZ-500 exam, this question tests your understanding of layered network defense—specifically, the difference between perimeter security (Azure Firewall) and internal traffic segmentation (NSGs). A common trap is confusing Azure Bastion, which secures remote access but does not filter network traffic, or Azure Monitor, which observes but does not enforce security. Remember the memory tip: “Firewall for the border, NSG for the interior”—this helps you distinguish between the two core actions to secure an Azure virtual network.
AZ-500 Secure networking Practice Question
This AZ-500 practice question tests your understanding of secure networking. 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 TWO actions should you take to secure a virtual network in Azure? (Choose two.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Apply network security groups (NSGs) to subnets.
Options A and D are correct because NSGs and Azure Firewall are key network security controls. Option B is wrong because Azure DNS does not secure the network. Option C is wrong because Azure Bastion is for secure access, not network security. Option E is wrong because Azure Monitor is for monitoring, not security.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Monitor alerts notify but do not secure the network.
Common exam traps
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.
Detailed technical explanation
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.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
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-500 question in full detail.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related AZ-500 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Secure networking — This question tests Secure networking — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Apply network security groups (NSGs) to subnets. — Options A and D are correct because NSGs and Azure Firewall are key network security controls. Option B is wrong because Azure DNS does not secure the network. Option C is wrong because Azure Bastion is for secure access, not network security. Option E is wrong because Azure Monitor is for monitoring, not security.
What should I do if I get this AZ-500 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related AZ-500 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Question Discussion
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