The answer is SQL Server Auditing, as it is the feature designed to audit database queries in Azure SQL Database with alerting capabilities. SQL Server Auditing tracks database events like SELECT operations and writes them to an audit log, which can be configured to capture all queries on the 'Transactions' table. You can then set up alerts via Azure Monitor or Logic Apps to trigger when a user outside the finance department executes such a query, directly meeting the requirement to both audit and alert on specific user actions. On the Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals DP-900 exam, this question tests your understanding of how SQL Server Auditing differs from other security features like Advanced Threat Protection or Dynamic Data Masking—a common trap is confusing auditing with masking, but remember that auditing is about tracking who did what, not hiding data. Memory tip: think "Audit = Action Log, Alert = Automatic Reaction."
DP-900 Describe core data concepts Practice Question
This DP-900 practice question tests your understanding of describe core data concepts. 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.
Your organization stores sensitive financial data in Azure SQL Database. You need to audit all SELECT operations on the 'Transactions' table and alert the security team when a user outside the finance department queries the table. Which feature should you use?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
SQL Server Auditing
SQL Server Auditing is the correct choice because it tracks database events, including SELECT operations, and writes them to an audit log. You can configure an audit policy to capture all SELECT statements on the 'Transactions' table and then set up an alert (e.g., via Azure Monitor or Logic Apps) that triggers when a user from outside the finance department executes such a query. This directly meets the requirement to both audit and alert on specific user actions.
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.
✗
Microsoft Defender for SQL
Why it's wrong here
Defender for SQL provides vulnerability assessments and threat detection, but not granular auditing of specific tables.
✗
Dynamic Data Masking
Why it's wrong here
Dynamic Data Masking obfuscates data but does not log who accessed it.
✓
SQL Server Auditing
Why this is correct
Auditing logs database events; can be configured to capture SELECT operations and trigger alerts.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Transparent Data Encryption
Why it's wrong here
TDE encrypts data at rest; it does not provide auditing.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse auditing (logging who did what) with security features that protect data at rest or in transit, such as TDE or Dynamic Data Masking, which do not provide any logging or alerting capabilities.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SQL Server Auditing in Azure SQL Database uses server-level audit policies and database-level audit specifications to capture events like SELECT on specific tables. The audit logs are written to Azure Blob Storage, Azure Monitor Logs, or Event Hubs, enabling integration with alerting systems via Azure Monitor alerts or Logic Apps. A subtle behavior is that audit records include the application name and host name, which can be used to further filter or trigger alerts based on user context.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this DP-900 question in full detail.
Describe core data concepts — This question tests Describe core data concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: SQL Server Auditing — SQL Server Auditing is the correct choice because it tracks database events, including SELECT operations, and writes them to an audit log. You can configure an audit policy to capture all SELECT statements on the 'Transactions' table and then set up an alert (e.g., via Azure Monitor or Logic Apps) that triggers when a user from outside the finance department executes such a query. This directly meets the requirement to both audit and alert on specific user actions.
What should I do if I get this DP-900 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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