A company runs an Azure SQL Database that stores sensitive customer data. The security team mandates that all traffic to the database must remain entirely within the Microsoft Azure backbone network and never traverse the public internet. The database can only be accessed by a specific application running on virtual machines in a specific Azure virtual network. Which Azure feature should they configure to meet this requirement?
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
Azure Private Endpoint
Correct. An Azure Private Endpoint assigns a private IP address from the virtual network to the Azure SQL Database, ensuring all traffic stays within the Microsoft backbone network and never traverses the public internet. The database is accessible only from the specified VNet.
Distractor review
Azure Service Endpoint
Incorrect. A Service Endpoint routes traffic to the Azure SQL Database over the Microsoft backbone, but it still uses the public endpoint of the service. While traffic does not leave the Azure network, the database remains accessible via its public IP, which could allow data exfiltration if not combined with additional controls. It does not meet the requirement that traffic never traverses the public internet at any network layer.
Distractor review
VNet Peering
Incorrect. VNet Peering connects two Azure virtual networks so that resources in each VNet can communicate. It does not directly connect a VNet to an Azure PaaS service like SQL Database and does not provide a private endpoint for that service.
Distractor review
Azure Firewall
Incorrect. Azure Firewall is a managed network security service that filters traffic based on rules. While it can be used to control outbound traffic from a VNet, it does not provide a private network interface for the Azure SQL Database and does not ensure traffic stays off the public internet.
Common exam trap
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.
Technical deep dive
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.
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More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
Question 1
A developer is building a serverless application that requires integration with an on-premises SQL Server database for real-time data processing. The on-premises network is connected to Azure via a site-to-site VPN. Which Azure service would allow the function to securely access the on-premises database without exposing it to the public internet?
Question 2
A solutions architect is designing a storage solution for a large media company. The company needs to store video files that are accessed infrequently but must be retained for several years for compliance. Which two Azure storage options meet these requirements? (Select two.)
Question 3
A company deploys a multi-tier application using Azure virtual machines. The web tier VMs must be evenly distributed across two distinct data centers within an Azure region to avoid a single point of failure from an infrastructure outage. Which Azure construct should they use to meet this requirement?
Question 4
A company wants to enforce a set of security policies across all their Azure subscriptions. They have created several individual policy definitions. Which Azure construct should they use to group these policies together and assign them as a single package?
Question 5
A company deploys a line-of-business application on an Azure virtual machine. The IT team wants to ensure the application remains secure. According to the shared responsibility model, which of the following security tasks is the sole responsibility of the customer (the company)?
Question 6
A company develops a web API that runs on Azure App Service. The development team wants to deploy a new version of the API to a staging environment, run integration tests against it, and then gradually shift production traffic to the new version. If any issues are detected, they want to immediately roll back to the previous version without redeploying. Which Azure App Service feature should the team use to meet these requirements?
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this AZ-900 question test?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Azure Private Endpoint — To ensure traffic between a virtual network and an Azure PaaS service (like Azure SQL Database) stays entirely on the Microsoft backbone and never touches the public internet, use Azure Private Endpoint. A Private Endpoint assigns a private IP address from the virtual network to the service, making it accessible directly within the VNet. In contrast, a Service Endpoint routes traffic over the backbone but still uses the public endpoint of the service (the endpoint’s public IP is resolved internally but the traffic may still be subject to data exfiltration risks). VNet Peering connects two virtual networks but does not directly connect to a database service. Azure Firewall provides inbound/outbound traffic filtering but does not provide private connectivity.
What should I do if I get this AZ-900 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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