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Question 141 of 1,000
Secure networking →hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

Quick Answer

The answer is to modify the policy rule by removing the subnet condition from the anyOf array. This is correct because the Azure Policy uses an anyOf logical operator in its if condition, meaning that if either the subnet creation or the NSG rule change condition is met, the deny effect triggers. By excising the subnet-specific condition, you allow subnet creation while the policy continues to block NSG rule changes, preserving the security requirement that all traffic flows through Azure Firewall. On the AZ-500 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of Azure Policy structure, specifically how logical operators like anyOf and allOf control the scope of denial; a common trap is assuming you must remove the entire policy or add an exemption, but the precise fix is surgical. Remember the memory tip: “anyOf catches all—remove the subnet to let subnets fall.”

AZ-500 Secure networking Practice Question

This AZ-500 practice question tests your understanding of secure networking. 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.

Exhibit

Refer to the exhibit.
```json
{
    "properties": {
        "policyRule": {
            "if": {
                "anyOf": [
                    {
                        "field": "type",
                        "equals": "Microsoft.Network/networkSecurityGroups/securityRules"
                    },
                    {
                        "field": "type",
                        "equals": "Microsoft.Network/virtualNetworks/subnets"
                    }
                ]
            },
            "then": {
                "effect": "deny"
            }
        },
        "parameters": {},
        "displayName": "Block NSG rules and subnet changes"
    }
}
```

You are a security engineer for Contoso. The company uses Azure Firewall for all inbound and outbound traffic. To prevent misconfiguration, you assign the Azure Policy shown in the exhibit at the management group scope. After assignment, a network administrator reports that they cannot create a new subnet in an existing virtual network. The subnet creation fails with a 'deny' policy error. You need to allow subnet creation while still blocking NSG rule changes. What should you do?

Question 1hardmultiple choice
Review the full subnetting walkthrough →

Exhibit

Refer to the exhibit.
```json
{
    "properties": {
        "policyRule": {
            "if": {
                "anyOf": [
                    {
                        "field": "type",
                        "equals": "Microsoft.Network/networkSecurityGroups/securityRules"
                    },
                    {
                        "field": "type",
                        "equals": "Microsoft.Network/virtualNetworks/subnets"
                    }
                ]
            },
            "then": {
                "effect": "deny"
            }
        },
        "parameters": {},
        "displayName": "Block NSG rules and subnet changes"
    }
}
```

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

✓

Modify the policy rule to remove the subnet condition from the anyOf array.

The policy currently denies both NSG rule changes and subnet creation because the if condition uses anyOf. To allow subnet creation, you need to remove the subnet condition from the policy rule. Option A correctly updates the policy rule to only check for NSG security rules. Option B would still deny subnet creation because the condition remains unchanged. Option C does not address the subnet issue. Option D removes the entire policy, which is too permissive.

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.

  • ✗

    Change the effect to 'audit' instead of 'deny'.

    Why it's wrong here

    Changing to audit would only log violations, not block them, and would not meet the requirement to block NSG rule changes.

  • ✓

    Modify the policy rule to remove the subnet condition from the anyOf array.

    Why this is correct

    Correct. Removing the subnet condition allows subnet creation while still blocking NSG rule changes.

    Related concept

    CIDR notation defines the prefix length.

  • ✗

    Add an exemption for the virtual network resource group.

    Why it's wrong here

    Adding an exemption would allow both NSG rule changes and subnet creation, which is not the requirement.

  • ✗

    Remove the policy assignment and create a custom role to block subnet creation.

    Why it's wrong here

    This would require additional configuration and does not address the policy issue directly.

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.

What to study next

Got this wrong? Here's your next step.

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.

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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this AZ-500 question test?

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: Modify the policy rule to remove the subnet condition from the anyOf array. — The policy currently denies both NSG rule changes and subnet creation because the if condition uses anyOf. To allow subnet creation, you need to remove the subnet condition from the policy rule. Option A correctly updates the policy rule to only check for NSG security rules. Option B would still deny subnet creation because the condition remains unchanged. Option C does not address the subnet issue. Option D removes the entire policy, which is too permissive.

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.

About these practice questions

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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026

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This AZ-500 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the AZ-500 exam.