The correct answer is to configure a virtual network service endpoint and add a firewall rule for the VNet subnet. This works because a service endpoint extends your virtual network identity to Azure SQL Database over the Azure backbone, allowing you to create a firewall rule that permits traffic only from that specific subnet, effectively blocking all public internet access. On the Microsoft Azure Database Administrator Associate DP-300 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of network security controls for PaaS services, often appearing as a distractor against private endpoints—a common trap where candidates mistakenly choose private endpoints, which provide a private IP but require more complex DNS configuration. Remember that service endpoints are simpler for subnet-level restrictions, while private endpoints are for full network isolation. A useful memory tip: think of service endpoints as a "subnet stamp" that lets the firewall recognize and allow only your VNet traffic.
DP-300 Implement a secure environment Practice Question
This DP-300 practice question tests your understanding of implement a secure environment. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 need to ensure that Azure SQL Database can only be accessed from a specific virtual network in Azure. Which configuration should you apply?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Configure a virtual network service endpoint and add a firewall rule for the VNet subnet
Option B is correct because configuring a virtual network service endpoint for Azure SQL Database and then adding a firewall rule for the specific VNet subnet restricts access to traffic originating from that subnet only. This ensures that the database is not reachable over the public internet, but only from the designated virtual network, meeting the requirement precisely.
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.
✗
Add the public IP address range of the VNet to the firewall rules
Why it's wrong here
VNet traffic uses private IPs, not public, so this won't work.
✓
Configure a virtual network service endpoint and add a firewall rule for the VNet subnet
Why this is correct
Service endpoints allow VNet traffic to be identified and permitted via firewall rules.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Create a private endpoint and disable public network access
Why it's wrong here
This allows access from the private endpoint, but does not restrict to a specific VNet unless combined with NSG.
✗
Set 'Deny public network access' to Yes
Why it's wrong here
Blocks all public access, but also blocks VNet traffic unless private endpoint is used.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse service endpoints (which filter by VNet subnet identity) with firewall IP rules (which filter by public IP address), leading them to incorrectly select Option A or assume that denying public access alone (Option D) is sufficient.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
A virtual network service endpoint extends the VNet identity to Azure SQL Database, allowing the database to see traffic as originating from the VNet subnet rather than a public IP. The firewall rule then uses the VNet subnet's virtual network identifier (not an IP range) to permit access, which is enforced at the Azure network layer before traffic reaches the database. This approach is cost-effective compared to private endpoints and works well for scenarios where you need to secure access from a specific VNet without requiring private IP connectivity.
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 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.
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: Configure a virtual network service endpoint and add a firewall rule for the VNet subnet — Option B is correct because configuring a virtual network service endpoint for Azure SQL Database and then adding a firewall rule for the specific VNet subnet restricts access to traffic originating from that subnet only. This ensures that the database is not reachable over the public internet, but only from the designated virtual network, meeting the requirement precisely.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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