DP-300 Implement a secure environment Practice Question
You are designing a secure environment for Azure SQL Database. Which TWO of the following are recommended practices for network security?
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 Azure Private Link to connect to the database from a virtual network.
Options C and D are correct. Azure Private Link (C) ensures traffic between the virtual network and Azure SQL Database stays within the Microsoft backbone network, avoiding the public internet. Disabling public network access (D) at the server level blocks all internet traffic, enhancing security. Option A is incorrect because enabling 'Allow Azure services...' is a broad rule that permits traffic from any Azure service, which may be insecure. Option B is incorrect because VNet service endpoints are legacy and less secure compared to Private Link. Option E is incorrect because allowing a large IP range increases the attack surface.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Enable the 'Allow Azure services and resources to access this server' firewall setting.
Why it's wrong here
This allows all Azure services, including those outside your subscription, which is a security risk.
- ✗
Use VNet service endpoints instead of Private Link to reduce costs.
Why it's wrong here
Service endpoints still expose the database to the public endpoint, though restricted to the VNet.
- ✓
Use Azure Private Link to connect to the database from a virtual network.
Why this is correct
Private Link provides a private IP address within the VNet, eliminating exposure to the internet.
- ✓
Disable public network access on the SQL server.
Why this is correct
This ensures only private endpoint connections are allowed.
- ✗
Add firewall rules that allow all IP addresses from your organization's IP range.
Why it's wrong here
Allowing a large IP range increases attack surface; use the most restrictive rules.
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
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.