The correct answer is to configure a private endpoint for the storage account in the same virtual network as the Synapse workspace and disable public network access. This works because a private endpoint assigns the storage account a private IP from your virtual network, effectively bringing the service into that network and isolating it from the public internet; disabling public network access then ensures no traffic can bypass this private connection. On the DP-203 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of network-level security for Azure Synapse serverless SQL pools, often appearing as a distractor where candidates mistakenly choose firewall rules or “Allow trusted Microsoft services,” which are broader and do not enforce exclusive access. A common trap is thinking managed identity alone controls network access—it only handles authentication, not network isolation. Remember the mnemonic: “Private endpoint for the path, public access off for the gate”—only the Synapse workspace’s managed identity can traverse that private path.
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 are configuring security for an Azure Synapse Analytics workspace that uses a serverless SQL pool. The workspace is connected to Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2 via a managed identity. You need to ensure that only the Synapse workspace can access the storage account, and no other Azure service or user can access it directly. The storage account should not be accessible from the public internet. What should you do?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Configure a private endpoint for the storage account in the same virtual network as the Synapse workspace, and disable public network access.
Option A is correct because a private endpoint for the storage account, combined with disabling public network access, ensures only the Synapse workspace can access it via the managed identity. Option B is wrong because firewall rules alone do not restrict access to a specific service. Option C is wrong because allowing trusted Microsoft services is broader than just Synapse. Option D is wrong because managed identity alone does not restrict network access.
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.
✗
Configure the storage account firewall to allow only the Synapse workspace's public IP address.
Why it's wrong here
Synapse workspace does not have a fixed public IP.
✗
Enable 'Allow trusted Microsoft services to access this storage account' on the firewall.
Why it's wrong here
This allows many services, not just Synapse.
✗
Use Azure RBAC to assign the Storage Blob Data Contributor role to the Synapse workspace managed identity.
Why it's wrong here
RBAC controls data plane access but does not restrict network access.
✓
Configure a private endpoint for the storage account in the same virtual network as the Synapse workspace, and disable public network access.
Why this is correct
Private endpoint ensures private connectivity; disabling public access restricts others.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this DP-203 question in full detail.
Identify which DP-203 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, monitor, and optimize data storage and data processing — This question tests Secure, monitor, and optimize data storage and data processing — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure a private endpoint for the storage account in the same virtual network as the Synapse workspace, and disable public network access. — Option A is correct because a private endpoint for the storage account, combined with disabling public network access, ensures only the Synapse workspace can access it via the managed identity. Option B is wrong because firewall rules alone do not restrict access to a specific service. Option C is wrong because allowing trusted Microsoft services is broader than just Synapse. Option D is wrong because managed identity alone does not restrict network access.
What should I do if I get this DP-203 question wrong?
Identify which DP-203 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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