- A
Use IP whitelisting in APIM to restrict access to known customer IPs and enable API key rotation manually every 90 days.
Why wrong: IP whitelisting is not scalable for external customers and does not provide user-level authentication.
- B
Require client certificates for authentication and configure APIM to automatically rotate the certificates.
Why wrong: Client certificates are complex to manage for external customers and do not protect against web vulnerabilities.
- C
Use OAuth 2.0 with Azure AD (Entra ID) for authentication, configure API key rotation in APIM policies, and enable Azure Web Application Firewall (WAF) in front of APIM.
OAuth 2.0 provides authentication, APIM policies enable automatic key rotation, and Azure WAF protects against web vulnerabilities.
- D
Implement OAuth 2.0 with JWT tokens and use rate limiting to mitigate attacks.
Why wrong: Rate limiting does not protect against web vulnerabilities like SQL injection or XSS.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to implement OAuth 2.0 with Azure AD (Entra ID) for authentication, configure automatic API key rotation within APIM policies, and enable Azure Web Application Firewall (WAF) in front of APIM. This combination directly satisfies all three security requirements: OAuth 2.0 ensures only authenticated and authorized customers can call the APIs by using token-based access, while APIM’s built-in policies allow you to automate key rotation every 90 days without manual intervention, and Azure WAF protects against common web vulnerabilities like SQL injection and cross-site scripting. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this scenario tests your ability to layer security controls—authentication, key management, and edge protection—rather than relying on a single mechanism. A common trap is choosing IP whitelisting or client certificates, which fail to address vulnerability protection or automated rotation. Memory tip: think “Auth, Rotate, Shield” for OAuth, key rotation, and WAF.
SC-100 Practice Question: Design security solutions for applications and data
This SC-100 practice question tests your understanding of design security solutions for applications and data. 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.
A company is building a new SaaS application that will be used by external customers. The application uses Azure API Management (APIM) to expose APIs. The security requirements include: (1) Only authenticated and authorized customers can call the APIs, (2) The API keys must be rotated automatically every 90 days, (3) The APIs must be protected against common web vulnerabilities. What should you implement?
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 OAuth 2.0 with Azure AD (Entra ID) for authentication, configure API key rotation in APIM policies, and enable Azure Web Application Firewall (WAF) in front of APIM.
Option D is correct because it combines OAuth 2.0 for authentication and authorization, automatic key rotation via APIM policies, and Azure WAF for vulnerability protection. Option A is wrong because IP whitelisting is not a strong authentication method. Option B is wrong because client certificates require certificate management and do not protect against web vulnerabilities. Option C is wrong because rate limiting does not address authentication or vulnerability protection.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use IP whitelisting in APIM to restrict access to known customer IPs and enable API key rotation manually every 90 days.
Why it's wrong here
IP whitelisting is not scalable for external customers and does not provide user-level authentication.
- ✗
Require client certificates for authentication and configure APIM to automatically rotate the certificates.
Why it's wrong here
Client certificates are complex to manage for external customers and do not protect against web vulnerabilities.
- ✓
Use OAuth 2.0 with Azure AD (Entra ID) for authentication, configure API key rotation in APIM policies, and enable Azure Web Application Firewall (WAF) in front of APIM.
Why this is correct
OAuth 2.0 provides authentication, APIM policies enable automatic key rotation, and Azure WAF protects against web vulnerabilities.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Implement OAuth 2.0 with JWT tokens and use rate limiting to mitigate attacks.
Why it's wrong here
Rate limiting does not protect against web vulnerabilities like SQL injection or XSS.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SC-100 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SC-100 question test?
Design security solutions for applications and data — This question tests Design security solutions for applications and data — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use OAuth 2.0 with Azure AD (Entra ID) for authentication, configure API key rotation in APIM policies, and enable Azure Web Application Firewall (WAF) in front of APIM. — Option D is correct because it combines OAuth 2.0 for authentication and authorization, automatic key rotation via APIM policies, and Azure WAF for vulnerability protection. Option A is wrong because IP whitelisting is not a strong authentication method. Option B is wrong because client certificates require certificate management and do not protect against web vulnerabilities. Option C is wrong because rate limiting does not address authentication or vulnerability protection.
What should I do if I get this SC-100 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SC-100 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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