The correct answers are Always Encrypted and Row-Level Security. Always Encrypted protects sensitive data by ensuring encryption keys remain client-controlled, so even database administrators with full server access cannot decrypt and view the plaintext data. Row-Level Security (RLS) restricts which rows a user can see based on their identity or context, effectively blocking DBAs from querying rows they should not access. On the Microsoft Azure Security Engineer Associate AZ-500 exam, this question tests your understanding of data protection controls that go beyond traditional encryption or network security—a common trap is confusing Transparent Data Encryption (TDE), which only encrypts data at rest but still allows DBAs to read it, with Always Encrypted’s client-side key control. Another trap is mistaking auditing for a preventive control; auditing logs actions but does not prevent unauthorized data access. Memory tip: think “keys on client, rows in context” to pair Always Encrypted with client-held keys and RLS with row-level filtering.
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. 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 security features can be enabled on an Azure SQL Database to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access by database administrators? (Choose two.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Always Encrypted
Options A and D are correct. Option A: Always Encrypted ensures that database administrators cannot see plaintext data because the encryption keys are controlled by the client. Option D: Row-Level Security restricts access to rows based on user context, preventing admins from viewing data they shouldn't. Option B is wrong because TDE protects at rest but admins can still query data. Option C is wrong because firewall rules control network access, not data access. Option E is wrong because auditing logs access but does not prevent it.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Transparent Data Encryption (TDE)
Why it's wrong here
TDE encrypts data at rest but does not prevent DBAs from reading data when they have access.
✓
Always Encrypted
Why this is correct
Always Encrypted encrypts data on the client side, so DBAs cannot decrypt it without the column encryption key.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Row-Level Security (RLS)
Why this is correct
RLS restricts which rows a user can see based on their identity, preventing DBAs from accessing sensitive rows if they are not authorized.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Azure SQL Database firewall rules
Why it's wrong here
Firewall rules control network access, not data access within the database.
✗
Auditing
Why it's wrong here
Auditing logs queries but does not prevent unauthorized access.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
Identify which AZ-500 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Secure compute, storage, and databases — This question tests Secure compute, storage, and databases — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Always Encrypted — Options A and D are correct. Option A: Always Encrypted ensures that database administrators cannot see plaintext data because the encryption keys are controlled by the client. Option D: Row-Level Security restricts access to rows based on user context, preventing admins from viewing data they shouldn't. Option B is wrong because TDE protects at rest but admins can still query data. Option C is wrong because firewall rules control network access, not data access. Option E is wrong because auditing logs access but does not prevent it.
What should I do if I get this AZ-500 question wrong?
Identify which AZ-500 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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