- A
Enable encryption at rest for the dataset.
Why wrong: Encryption at rest protects data from unauthorized physical access but does not control user permissions.
- B
Use Power Query to mask PII columns by replacing values with '***'.
Why wrong: Masking in Power Query is static and applies to all users; it does not provide granular access control.
- C
Define row-level security (RLS) roles in Power BI Desktop.
RLS filters data for users based on their role, restricting access to rows they are authorized to see.
- D
Apply sensitivity labels to the dataset.
Why wrong: Sensitivity labels classify data but do not enforce access restrictions at the row level.
- E
Implement object-level security (OLS) to hide sensitive tables from certain users.
OLS can hide entire tables or columns from unauthorized users, complementing RLS.
Quick Answer
The answer is to implement row-level security (RLS) and object-level security (OLS). RLS restricts access to specific rows of data based on user roles, ensuring each user only sees the PII records they are authorized to view, while OLS hides entire sensitive tables or columns from unauthorized users, preventing them from even seeing the structure of the data. On the PL-300 exam, this question tests your understanding of layered data protection: RLS controls what rows a user can see, and OLS controls what objects (tables or columns) are visible. A common trap is confusing data masking or sensitivity labels with access control—masking is not native to Power Query, and labels protect classification, not visibility. Remember the mnemonic: RLS for rows, OLS for objects—together they lock down PII from both view and query.
PL-300 Prepare the data Practice Question
This PL-300 practice question tests your understanding of prepare the data. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 connecting to a data source that contains Personally Identifiable Information (PII). You need to ensure that only authorized users can view the data in Power BI reports. Which TWO actions should you take?
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
Define row-level security (RLS) roles in Power BI Desktop.
Options A and D are correct. Row-level security (RLS) restricts data access at the row level based on user roles. Object-level security (OLS) can hide entire tables or columns. Option B is wrong because data masking in Power Query is not a native feature; it must be done manually. Option C is wrong because sensitivity labels protect the report content but do not restrict data access. Option E is wrong because encryption at rest is a general security measure but does not control user access.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
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 encryption at rest for the dataset.
Why it's wrong here
Encryption at rest protects data from unauthorized physical access but does not control user permissions.
- ✗
Use Power Query to mask PII columns by replacing values with '***'.
Why it's wrong here
Masking in Power Query is static and applies to all users; it does not provide granular access control.
- ✓
Define row-level security (RLS) roles in Power BI Desktop.
Why this is correct
RLS filters data for users based on their role, restricting access to rows they are authorized to see.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✗
Apply sensitivity labels to the dataset.
Why it's wrong here
Sensitivity labels classify data but do not enforce access restrictions at the row level.
- ✓
Implement object-level security (OLS) to hide sensitive tables from certain users.
Why this is correct
OLS can hide entire tables or columns from unauthorized users, complementing RLS.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
- Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
- The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
- Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
- Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
- Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related PL-300 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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Prepare the data — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PL-300 question test?
Prepare the data — This question tests Prepare the data — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Define row-level security (RLS) roles in Power BI Desktop. — Options A and D are correct. Row-level security (RLS) restricts data access at the row level based on user roles. Object-level security (OLS) can hide entire tables or columns. Option B is wrong because data masking in Power Query is not a native feature; it must be done manually. Option C is wrong because sensitivity labels protect the report content but do not restrict data access. Option E is wrong because encryption at rest is a general security measure but does not control user access.
What should I do if I get this PL-300 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related PL-300 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
This PL-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 PL-300 exam.
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