- A
Azure Data Factory pipeline with a Delete activity scheduled to run daily.
Why wrong: While possible, it is less efficient and more complex than lifecycle management.
- B
Azure Policy with a deny effect for files older than 90 days.
Why wrong: Azure Policy can prevent creation of new files but does not delete existing ones.
- C
Azure Storage lifecycle management rule with a filter for the container and a delete action after 90 days.
Lifecycle management can automatically delete blobs based on age, reducing manual effort.
- D
Azure Purview data lifecycle policy.
Why wrong: Azure Purview does not execute data deletion; it catalogs and classifies data.
Question 9 of 851
Secure, monitor, and optimize data storage and data processing →mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
How to Implement a Data Retention Policy with Azure Storage Lifecycle Management
This DP-203 practice question tests your understanding of secure, monitor, and optimize data storage and data processing. 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.
Your company uses Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2 and needs to implement a data retention policy that automatically deletes files older than 90 days in a specific container. What should you use?
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
✓
Azure Storage lifecycle management rule with a filter for the container and a delete action after 90 days.
Option C is correct because Azure Storage lifecycle management rules can be applied at the container level to automatically delete blobs after a specified age (90 days), providing a native, cost-effective, and automated retention solution. Option A is incorrect because Azure Data Factory can be scheduled to delete files, but it requires manual pipeline setup and incurs additional costs compared to lifecycle management. Option B is incorrect because Azure Policy with a deny effect prevents the creation or modification of resources, not the automatic deletion of existing files. Option D is incorrect because Azure Purview is a data governance service for cataloging and lineage, not for automated data deletion.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Azure Data Factory pipeline with a Delete activity scheduled to run daily.
Why it's wrong here
While possible, it is less efficient and more complex than lifecycle management.
- ✗
Azure Policy with a deny effect for files older than 90 days.
Why it's wrong here
Azure Policy can prevent creation of new files but does not delete existing ones.
- ✓
Azure Storage lifecycle management rule with a filter for the container and a delete action after 90 days.
Why this is correct
Lifecycle management can automatically delete blobs based on age, reducing manual effort.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
Azure Purview data lifecycle policy.
Why it's wrong here
Azure Purview does not execute data deletion; it catalogs and classifies data.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
- The first matching ACL entry is used.
- There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
- Check inbound versus outbound direction.
- Read the ACL from top to bottom.
- Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related DP-203 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DP-203 question test?
Secure, monitor, and optimize data storage and data processing — This question tests Secure, monitor, and optimize data storage and data processing — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Azure Storage lifecycle management rule with a filter for the container and a delete action after 90 days. — Option C is correct because Azure Storage lifecycle management rules can be applied at the container level to automatically delete blobs after a specified age (90 days), providing a native, cost-effective, and automated retention solution. Option A is incorrect because Azure Data Factory can be scheduled to delete files, but it requires manual pipeline setup and incurs additional costs compared to lifecycle management. Option B is incorrect because Azure Policy with a deny effect prevents the creation or modification of resources, not the automatic deletion of existing files. Option D is incorrect because Azure Purview is a data governance service for cataloging and lineage, not for automated data deletion.
What should I do if I get this DP-203 question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related DP-203 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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