DP-300 Implement a secure environment Practice Question
Which TWO actions are valid for implementing column-level encryption in Azure SQL Database using Always Encrypted? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to confuse Always Encrypted with Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) or row-level security, and mistakenly think encryption keys are stored in the database or that hashing is a valid encryption method for Always Encrypted.
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
✓
Use randomized encryption for columns that will not be searched.
Always Encrypted supports two encryption types: deterministic and randomized. Randomized encryption is valid for columns that will not be searched because it encrypts the same plaintext into different ciphertexts each time, preventing pattern-based attacks. This makes it suitable for sensitive data like credit card numbers or personal identifiers that only need to be decrypted for use, not queried with equality predicates.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Store the column encryption key in the database.
Why it's wrong here
The column encryption key is stored in the database but encrypted by the column master key stored externally.
- ✓
Use randomized encryption for columns that will not be searched.
Why this is correct
Randomized encryption provides more security but cannot be searched.
- ✗
Use a hash of the column value for encryption.
Why it's wrong here
Hashing is not supported; Always Encrypted uses deterministic or randomized encryption.
- ✗
Encrypt an entire row by specifying a row-level encryption key.
Why it's wrong here
Always Encrypted encrypts at the column level.
- ✓
Use deterministic encryption for columns that will be used in equality searches.
Why this is correct
Deterministic encryption allows equality comparisons.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Overview of Azure Data Platform Options
Key term
Azure SQL Performance Tuning
Azure SQL Performance Tuning is the process of optimizing the speed and efficiency of queries and database operations in Microsoft Azure SQL Database or SQL Managed Instance to reduce latency and improve throughput.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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