- A
Select the Intel Software Guard Extensions (Intel SGX) enclave type.
Intel SGX is the required enclave type for Always Encrypted with secure enclaves on SQL Managed Instance.
- B
Configure the column master key to be stored in Azure Key Vault.
Why wrong: The column master key must be stored in the enclave, not in Azure Key Vault.
- C
Configure a column master key that is enclave-enabled.
A column master key must be configured with the ENCLAVE_COMPUTATIONS property to support secure enclaves.
- D
Enable the enclave attestation policy on the managed instance.
Why wrong: The attestation policy is configured in Azure Attestation, not on the instance itself.
- E
Enable Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) enclave type.
Why wrong: VBS enclaves are not supported for SQL Managed Instance; Intel SGX is required.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to configure a column master key that is enclave-enabled, as this is the foundational step for leveraging Always Encrypted with secure enclaves on Azure SQL Managed Instance. This requirement stems from the fact that the feature relies on Intel Software Guard Extensions (Intel SGX) as the only supported enclave technology for managed instances, creating a trusted execution environment that protects sensitive data in memory during cryptographic operations. Without an enclave-enabled column master key, the secure enclave cannot perform computations on encrypted data, rendering the feature non-functional. On the Microsoft Azure Database Administrator Associate DP-300 exam, this topic tests your understanding of how hardware-based enclaves differ from software-based encryption, often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must distinguish between configuring the column master key and setting up the attestation service. A common trap is assuming any column master key works, but only those explicitly marked as enclave-enabled unlock the secure enclave’s capabilities. Memory tip: think “enclave-enabled key” as the gatekeeper—without it, the enclave stays locked.
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 configuring security for an Azure SQL Managed Instance. The instance will host a critical application that requires always encrypted with secure enclaves. Which TWO actions must you take to support this feature? (Choose two.)
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"always"Why it matters: Absolute qualifier. An answer using 'always' is only correct if there are genuinely no exceptions — absolute statements are often wrong in networking.
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
Select the Intel Software Guard Extensions (Intel SGX) enclave type.
Option A is correct because Always Encrypted with secure enclaves on Azure SQL Managed Instance requires the Intel Software Guard Extensions (Intel SGX) enclave type. Intel SGX is the only supported enclave technology for this feature on managed instances, providing a trusted execution environment that protects sensitive data in memory during cryptographic operations.
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.
- ✓
Select the Intel Software Guard Extensions (Intel SGX) enclave type.
Why this is correct
Intel SGX is the required enclave type for Always Encrypted with secure enclaves on SQL Managed Instance.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "always" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Configure the column master key to be stored in Azure Key Vault.
Why it's wrong here
The column master key must be stored in the enclave, not in Azure Key Vault.
- ✓
Configure a column master key that is enclave-enabled.
Why this is correct
A column master key must be configured with the ENCLAVE_COMPUTATIONS property to support secure enclaves.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "always" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Enable the enclave attestation policy on the managed instance.
Why it's wrong here
The attestation policy is configured in Azure Attestation, not on the instance itself.
- ✗
Enable Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) enclave type.
Why it's wrong here
VBS enclaves are not supported for SQL Managed Instance; Intel SGX is required.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse the requirement for an enclave-enabled column master key (option C) with the need to store the key in Azure Key Vault (option B), but the key location is not a prerequisite for enclave support.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Always Encrypted with secure enclaves uses Intel SGX to create a hardware-based trusted execution environment (TEE) that isolates sensitive computations from the host OS and SQL Server process. The column master key must be enclave-enabled (option C) to allow the enclave to perform operations like in-place encryption and rich computations on encrypted columns, which requires the key to be marked with the ENCLAVE_COMPUTATIONS property in the column master key definition.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Implement a secure environment — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DP-300 question test?
Implement a secure environment — This question tests Implement a secure environment — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Select the Intel Software Guard Extensions (Intel SGX) enclave type. — Option A is correct because Always Encrypted with secure enclaves on Azure SQL Managed Instance requires the Intel Software Guard Extensions (Intel SGX) enclave type. Intel SGX is the only supported enclave technology for this feature on managed instances, providing a trusted execution environment that protects sensitive data in memory during cryptographic operations.
What should I do if I get this DP-300 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "always". Absolute qualifier. An answer using 'always' is only correct if there are genuinely no exceptions — absolute statements are often wrong in networking.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This DP-300 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the DP-300 exam.
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