The correct answer is to authenticate using Connect-AzAccount -Identity, then use Set-AzKeyVaultKey to create a new key version, and update the column encryption key using Invoke-SqlCmd. This approach is correct because Azure Automation runbooks must authenticate to Azure Key Vault using the managed identity assigned to the automation account, avoiding stored credentials or connection strings. The Set-AzKeyVaultKey cmdlet creates a new key version for the column master key, which is then used to re-encrypt the column encryption key via Invoke-SqlCmd, ensuring seamless rotation without downtime. On the Microsoft Azure Database Administrator Associate DP-300 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of Always Encrypted key lifecycle management combined with Azure Automation’s managed identity authentication—a common trap is forgetting the identity-based authentication step or attempting to use connection strings, which violates security best practices. Remember the mnemonic: "Auth, Key, Update" for the three critical steps in the runbook.
DP-300 Configure and manage automation of tasks Practice Question
This DP-300 practice question tests your understanding of configure and manage automation of tasks. 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 SQL Database that uses a managed identity to access Azure Key Vault for storing column master keys. You need to automate the rotation of the column master key using Azure Automation. Which steps should you include in the runbook?
Use PowerShell cmdlets without authentication; the runbook runs under the Automation account's identity.
Why wrong: The runbook must explicitly authenticate using Connect-AzAccount -Identity.
B
Use the SQL Server Management Objects (SMO) to rotate the key directly from the runbook without Key Vault.
Why wrong: SMO cannot rotate keys stored in Key Vault.
C
Authenticate using Connect-AzAccount -Identity, then use Set-AzKeyVaultKey to create a new key version, and update the column encryption key using Invoke-SqlCmd.
Managed identity authentication is secure and automated.
D
Use the Key Vault REST API with a client secret stored in the runbook.
Why wrong: Using a client secret defeats the purpose of managed identity.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Authenticate using Connect-AzAccount -Identity, then use Set-AzKeyVaultKey to create a new key version, and update the column encryption key using Invoke-SqlCmd.
Option C is correct because the runbook must authenticate to Key Vault using the managed identity, create a new key, update the column encryption key, and then clean up. Options A and B miss authentication steps. Option D incorrectly uses connection strings.
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.
✗
Use PowerShell cmdlets without authentication; the runbook runs under the Automation account's identity.
Why it's wrong here
The runbook must explicitly authenticate using Connect-AzAccount -Identity.
✗
Use the SQL Server Management Objects (SMO) to rotate the key directly from the runbook without Key Vault.
Why it's wrong here
SMO cannot rotate keys stored in Key Vault.
✓
Authenticate using Connect-AzAccount -Identity, then use Set-AzKeyVaultKey to create a new key version, and update the column encryption key using Invoke-SqlCmd.
Why this is correct
Managed identity authentication is secure and automated.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use the Key Vault REST API with a client secret stored in the runbook.
Why it's wrong here
Using a client secret defeats the purpose of managed identity.
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-300 question in full detail.
Identify which DP-300 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.
Configure and manage automation of tasks — This question tests Configure and manage automation of tasks — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Authenticate using Connect-AzAccount -Identity, then use Set-AzKeyVaultKey to create a new key version, and update the column encryption key using Invoke-SqlCmd. — Option C is correct because the runbook must authenticate to Key Vault using the managed identity, create a new key, update the column encryption key, and then clean up. Options A and B miss authentication steps. Option D incorrectly uses connection strings.
What should I do if I get this DP-300 question wrong?
Identify which DP-300 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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