The correct answer is to enable the 'Azure AD-only authentication' setting in the Azure portal's Microsoft Entra ID blade for the SQL server. This single toggle enforces Microsoft Entra ID as the sole authentication method, effectively disabling SQL authentication across the entire logical server. On the DP-300 exam, this question tests your understanding that authentication enforcement is a server-level property, not a database-level one—a common trap is confusing it with listing existing SQL logins (which only shows current users, not enforcement) or with firewall rules (which control network access, not identity). Remember, disabling SQL authentication is a binary switch on the server’s Microsoft Entra ID blade, not a manual deletion of logins. For the exam, think of it as a master kill switch: flip it to “ON” for Microsoft Entra ID only, and SQL authentication is automatically blocked. Memory tip: “AAD-only = Auth-only” — the setting name itself tells you it’s the single control for authentication type.
DP-300 Implement a secure environment Practice Question
This DP-300 practice question tests your understanding of implement a secure 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.
You are a database administrator for a company that stores sensitive customer data in Azure SQL Database. The security team requires that all access to the database be authenticated using Microsoft Entra ID and that no SQL authentication logins exist. You need to verify that SQL authentication is disabled. 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
✓
In the Azure portal, navigate to the SQL server's 'Microsoft Entra ID' blade and enable 'Azure AD-only authentication'
Option B is correct because the 'Azure AD-only authentication' setting in the Azure portal disables SQL authentication and requires Microsoft Entra authentication for the logical server. Option A is wrong because it only lists existing SQL logins, not enforcement. Option C is wrong because server-level firewall rules control network access, not authentication. Option D is wrong because 'Deny public network access' controls network connectivity, not authentication type.
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.
✗
Set the 'Deny public network access' property to 'Yes'
Why it's wrong here
This restricts network access to private endpoints but does not disable SQL authentication.
✗
Configure a server-level firewall rule to block all IP addresses
Why it's wrong here
Firewall rules control IP-based network access, not authentication method.
✓
In the Azure portal, navigate to the SQL server's 'Microsoft Entra ID' blade and enable 'Azure AD-only authentication'
Why this is correct
Enabling this setting disables SQL authentication and enforces Microsoft Entra authentication for all connections.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Query sys.sql_logins to check for any SQL authenticated logins
Why it's wrong here
This only lists existing SQL logins but does not enforce or verify that SQL authentication is disabled for future connections.
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 company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this DP-300 question in full detail.
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-300 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Implement a secure environment — This question tests Implement a secure environment — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: In the Azure portal, navigate to the SQL server's 'Microsoft Entra ID' blade and enable 'Azure AD-only authentication' — Option B is correct because the 'Azure AD-only authentication' setting in the Azure portal disables SQL authentication and requires Microsoft Entra authentication for the logical server. Option A is wrong because it only lists existing SQL logins, not enforcement. Option C is wrong because server-level firewall rules control network access, not authentication. Option D is wrong because 'Deny public network access' controls network connectivity, not authentication type.
What should I do if I get this DP-300 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-300 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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