The correct answer is that the audit effect triggers when the SQL Server uses service-managed TDE or has no encryption protector configured. This is because the Azure Policy definition uses an `allOf` condition requiring the resource type to be `Microsoft.Sql/servers` with version `12.0`, combined with an `anyOf` condition that checks if the encryption protector either does not exist or is set to `ServiceManaged`. Essentially, the policy flags any SQL Server that is not using a customer-managed key for Transparent Data Encryption (TDE), ensuring compliance with organizational security standards requiring key ownership. On the DP-300 exam, this tests your ability to interpret Azure Policy logic, specifically the difference between `allOf` (all conditions must be true) and `anyOf` (at least one condition must be true). A common trap is assuming both the missing protector and service-managed protector must be true simultaneously, but the `anyOf` operator makes either condition sufficient. Memory tip: think “any key but yours” — if the protector isn’t customer-managed, the audit fires.
DP-300 Practice Question: Plan and configure a high availability and disaster recovery environment
This DP-300 practice question tests your understanding of plan and configure a high availability and disaster recovery environment. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit. The following is a snippet of an Azure Policy definition for auditing SQL Server disaster recovery configuration:
{
"policyRule": {
"if": {
"allOf": [
{
"field": "type",
"equals": "Microsoft.Sql/servers"
},
{
"field": "Microsoft.Sql/servers/version",
"equals": "12.0"
},
{
"anyOf": [
{
"field": "Microsoft.Sql/servers/encryptionProtector/serverKeyName",
"exists": "false"
},
{
"field": "Microsoft.Sql/servers/encryptionProtector/serverKeyName",
"equals": "ServiceManaged"
}
]
}
]
},
"then": {
"effect": "audit"
}
}
}
You are reviewing an Azure Policy definition that audits SQL Servers. Based on the exhibit, which condition triggers the audit effect?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The SQL Server uses service-managed TDE or has no encryption protector configured
Option B is correct. The policy 'if' condition requires allOf: type is 'Microsoft.Sql/servers', version is '12.0', and anyOf: encryption protector does not exist OR is 'ServiceManaged'. This audits SQL servers that do not use a customer-managed key for TDE. Option A is wrong because it requires both conditions. Option C is wrong because it ignores the key name condition. Option D is wrong because the policy checks for server version.
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.
✓
The SQL Server uses service-managed TDE or has no encryption protector configured
Why this is correct
The anyOf condition catches both cases: missing key or ServiceManaged key.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The SQL Server uses a customer-managed key from Azure Key Vault
Why it's wrong here
This is the compliant state; the policy only audits non-compliant resources.
✗
The SQL Server does not have an encryption protector set to a customer-managed key
Why it's wrong here
The policy audits if the encryption protector is missing or is ServiceManaged; if it is customer-managed, it passes.
✗
The SQL Server is version 12.0 and uses a customer-managed key
Why it's wrong here
The policy checks for non-compliance; customer-managed key is compliant.
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 cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
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.
Plan and configure a high availability and disaster recovery environment — This question tests Plan and configure a high availability and disaster recovery environment — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The SQL Server uses service-managed TDE or has no encryption protector configured — Option B is correct. The policy 'if' condition requires allOf: type is 'Microsoft.Sql/servers', version is '12.0', and anyOf: encryption protector does not exist OR is 'ServiceManaged'. This audits SQL servers that do not use a customer-managed key for TDE. Option A is wrong because it requires both conditions. Option C is wrong because it ignores the key name condition. Option D is wrong because the policy checks for server version.
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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