The answer is Always Encrypted with secure enclaves. This technology is the correct choice because it enables column-level encryption for sensitive data like social security numbers using a customer-managed key stored in Azure Key Vault, while still allowing rich computations such as equality and pattern matching on the encrypted data within a secure enclave, all without exposing plaintext to the Azure SQL Database engine. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how to balance data protection with application functionality—a common trap is choosing standard Always Encrypted, which cannot perform operations like LIKE or pattern matching on encrypted columns. The key differentiator here is the requirement for parameterized queries that need server-side processing; secure enclaves unlock those capabilities. Memory tip: think of the enclave as a “secure bubble” inside the database that can work with encrypted data as if it were plaintext, keeping the key in Key Vault and the data safe.
SC-100 Design a strategy for data and applications Practice Question
This SC-100 practice question tests your understanding of design a strategy for data and applications. 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 uses Azure SQL Database and needs to implement column-level encryption for a column containing social security numbers (SSNs). The encryption must use a customer-managed key stored in Azure Key Vault. The application queries this column using parameterized queries. Which technology should be used?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Always Encrypted with secure enclaves
Always Encrypted with secure enclaves is the correct choice because it enables client-side encryption of specific columns (like SSNs) using a customer-managed key stored in Azure Key Vault, while still allowing rich computations (e.g., equality, pattern matching) on the encrypted data within a secure enclave. This meets the requirement for column-level encryption with customer-managed keys and supports parameterized queries without exposing plaintext to the database engine.
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.
✗
Dynamic Data Masking (DDM)
Why it's wrong here
DDM masks data for unauthorized users but does not encrypt it.
✗
Row-Level Security (RLS)
Why it's wrong here
RLS restricts row access but does not encrypt columns.
✗
Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) with customer-managed keys
Why it's wrong here
TDE encrypts the database at rest, not individual columns.
✓
Always Encrypted with secure enclaves
Why this is correct
Always Encrypted provides column-level encryption and supports rich queries with secure enclaves.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) with column-level encryption, mistakenly believing TDE protects data from the database engine or privileged users, whereas TDE only protects data at rest on disk and does not prevent in-memory exposure.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Always Encrypted with secure enclaves leverages a hardware-based trusted execution environment (e.g., Intel SGX) to decrypt column data only inside the enclave, allowing operations like equality and LIKE comparisons on encrypted data without exposing the key or plaintext to the SQL Server process. The customer-managed key is stored in Azure Key Vault and is never revealed to the database engine; the client driver (e.g., .NET SqlClient) handles encryption and decryption transparently for parameterized queries. This approach ensures that even database administrators with full server access cannot view the SSN plaintext.
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 SC-100 question in full detail.
Design a strategy for data and applications — This question tests Design a strategy for data and applications — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Always Encrypted with secure enclaves — Always Encrypted with secure enclaves is the correct choice because it enables client-side encryption of specific columns (like SSNs) using a customer-managed key stored in Azure Key Vault, while still allowing rich computations (e.g., equality, pattern matching) on the encrypted data within a secure enclave. This meets the requirement for column-level encryption with customer-managed keys and supports parameterized queries without exposing plaintext to the database engine.
What should I do if I get this SC-100 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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