- A
Enable diagnostic settings to log all access to the storage account.
Why wrong: Diagnostic settings provide monitoring but do not prevent exfiltration.
- B
Remove the Contributor role and assign a custom role with read-only permissions.
Why wrong: The user already has Contributor; removing and reassigning may not prevent exfiltration if they still have read access.
- C
Configure network firewall rules to allow only trusted IP addresses.
Why wrong: Firewall rules can be circumvented if the attacker uses an allowed IP.
- D
Apply an Azure Policy that denies data access from unapproved locations.
Azure Policy can enforce network restrictions to prevent data exfiltration.
Question 326 of 851
DP-203 Practice Question: Secure, monitor, and optimize data storage and data processing
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.
You have an Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2 account that stores sensitive customer data. You need to implement security controls to prevent data exfiltration by a malicious insider who has Contributor role access. Which Azure feature 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
✓
Apply an Azure Policy that denies data access from unapproved locations.
Option D is correct because Azure Policy can enforce a deny effect on data access requests originating from unapproved locations, effectively preventing data exfiltration even if the user has Contributor role. This is a preventive control, not just monitoring. Option A (diagnostic settings) is detective only. Option B (removing Contributor role) might reduce permissions but does not prevent the insider from using their current role. Option C (network firewall rules) can be bypassed if the insider accesses from within the trusted network. Therefore, Azure Policy with location-based deny is the most effective prevention.
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.
- ✗
Enable diagnostic settings to log all access to the storage account.
Why it's wrong here
Diagnostic settings provide monitoring but do not prevent exfiltration.
- ✗
Remove the Contributor role and assign a custom role with read-only permissions.
Why it's wrong here
The user already has Contributor; removing and reassigning may not prevent exfiltration if they still have read access.
- ✗
Configure network firewall rules to allow only trusted IP addresses.
Why it's wrong here
Firewall rules can be circumvented if the attacker uses an allowed IP.
- ✓
Apply an Azure Policy that denies data access from unapproved locations.
Why this is correct
Azure Policy can enforce network restrictions to prevent data exfiltration.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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 media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
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: Apply an Azure Policy that denies data access from unapproved locations. — Option D is correct because Azure Policy can enforce a deny effect on data access requests originating from unapproved locations, effectively preventing data exfiltration even if the user has Contributor role. This is a preventive control, not just monitoring. Option A (diagnostic settings) is detective only. Option B (removing Contributor role) might reduce permissions but does not prevent the insider from using their current role. Option C (network firewall rules) can be bypassed if the insider accesses from within the trusted network. Therefore, Azure Policy with location-based deny is the most effective prevention.
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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