Quick Answer
The answer is Azure Bastion, because it enables zero-trust network access to Azure VMs without public IPs by providing secure, browser-based RDP and SSH connectivity that integrates directly with Entra ID for authentication and authorization. This means access is granted based on user identity and compliance, not network location, aligning perfectly with zero-trust principles where no implicit trust is given to any network segment. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this question tests your understanding of how to eliminate public exposure while enforcing identity-driven access—a common trap is confusing Just-in-Time VM access or NSGs, which still require public IPs or rely on IP-based filtering rather than user identity. Remember the key distinction: Bastion removes the public endpoint entirely, while other options only reduce exposure. Memory tip: “Bastion blocks the public, binds to the user.”
This SC-100 practice question tests your understanding of design security solutions for infrastructure. 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 implementing a zero-trust network for their Azure environment. They want to ensure that only authenticated and authorized users can access specific VMs, regardless of network location. Which Azure service should they use?
Just-in-Time (JIT) VM Access
Why wrong: Reduces exposure but still requires a public IP for access.
Azure Bastion
Provides secure, identity-based access to VMs without exposing public IPs.
Site-to-Site VPN
Why wrong: Requires network connectivity, not identity-based.
Network Security Groups (NSGs)
Why wrong: Filter by IP, not user identity.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Azure Bastion
Option A is correct because Azure Bastion provides secure, RDP/SSH access to VMs without public IPs, and integrates with Entra ID for authentication. Option B is wrong because site-to-site VPN requires network connectivity, not zero-trust. Option C is wrong because Just-in-Time (JIT) VM access reduces exposure but still requires a public IP. Option D is wrong because NSGs filter by IP, not user identity.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Just-in-Time (JIT) VM Access
Why it's wrong here
Reduces exposure but still requires a public IP for access.
Azure Bastion
Why this is correct
Provides secure, identity-based access to VMs without exposing public IPs.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Site-to-Site VPN
Why it's wrong here
Requires network connectivity, not identity-based.
Network Security Groups (NSGs)
Why it's wrong here
Filter by IP, not user identity.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which SC-100 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Design security solutions for infrastructure — This question tests Design security solutions for infrastructure — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Azure Bastion — Option A is correct because Azure Bastion provides secure, RDP/SSH access to VMs without public IPs, and integrates with Entra ID for authentication. Option B is wrong because site-to-site VPN requires network connectivity, not zero-trust. Option C is wrong because Just-in-Time (JIT) VM access reduces exposure but still requires a public IP. Option D is wrong because NSGs filter by IP, not user identity.
Identify which SC-100 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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