- A
Configure the function app to require authentication with Microsoft Entra ID, enforce HTTPS only, and use a system-assigned managed identity to access Cosmos DB.
Entra ID provides OAuth 2.0, managed identity provides secure database access, and HTTPS ensures encryption in transit.
- B
Configure the function app to use function-level authorization keys, enforce HTTPS only, and use a connection string with a read-write key to access Cosmos DB.
Why wrong: Function keys are not user-specific and do not provide OAuth. Connection strings with keys are less secure.
- C
Configure the function app to require client certificates, enforce HTTPS only, and use a managed identity to access Cosmos DB.
Why wrong: Client certificates authenticate the calling app, not the user. Does not provide OAuth 2.0.
- D
Configure the function app to use IP whitelisting, enforce HTTPS only, and use a managed identity to access Cosmos DB.
Why wrong: IP whitelisting does not authenticate users; it only restricts IP addresses.
Quick Answer
The answer is to configure the function app to require authentication with Microsoft Entra ID, enforce HTTPS only, and use a system-assigned managed identity to access Cosmos DB. This configuration correctly implements OAuth 2.0 with Microsoft Entra ID for user authentication, ensuring only authenticated users can invoke the Azure Function API, while the managed identity securely accesses Cosmos DB without storing credentials. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between authentication mechanisms for user-facing APIs versus backend resource access; a common trap is confusing function keys or client certificates with user-level OAuth flows. Remember the memory tip: “Users get tokens, services get identities”—meaning users authenticate via OAuth tokens, while backend services use managed identities for resource access.
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. 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.
A startup, Alpine Ski House, is developing a mobile app that allows users to book ski lessons. The app communicates with an Azure Function App backend via REST APIs. The function app stores data in Azure Cosmos DB. The company wants to secure the API endpoints using OAuth 2.0 with Microsoft Entra ID and ensure that only authenticated users can invoke the functions. The function app should also use a managed identity to access Cosmos DB. Which of the following configurations 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
Configure the function app to require authentication with Microsoft Entra ID, enforce HTTPS only, and use a system-assigned managed identity to access Cosmos DB.
Option A is correct because it uses OAuth 2.0 with Entra ID for authentication, managed identity for database access, and enforces HTTPS. Option B is wrong because function keys are not secure for user authentication. Option C is wrong because client certificates do not provide user-level authentication. Option D is wrong because IP whitelisting is not a substitute for authentication.
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.
- ✓
Configure the function app to require authentication with Microsoft Entra ID, enforce HTTPS only, and use a system-assigned managed identity to access Cosmos DB.
Why this is correct
Entra ID provides OAuth 2.0, managed identity provides secure database access, and HTTPS ensures encryption in transit.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Configure the function app to use function-level authorization keys, enforce HTTPS only, and use a connection string with a read-write key to access Cosmos DB.
Why it's wrong here
Function keys are not user-specific and do not provide OAuth. Connection strings with keys are less secure.
- ✗
Configure the function app to require client certificates, enforce HTTPS only, and use a managed identity to access Cosmos DB.
Why it's wrong here
Client certificates authenticate the calling app, not the user. Does not provide OAuth 2.0.
- ✗
Configure the function app to use IP whitelisting, enforce HTTPS only, and use a managed identity to access Cosmos DB.
Why it's wrong here
IP whitelisting does not authenticate users; it only restricts IP addresses.
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: Configure the function app to require authentication with Microsoft Entra ID, enforce HTTPS only, and use a system-assigned managed identity to access Cosmos DB. — Option A is correct because it uses OAuth 2.0 with Entra ID for authentication, managed identity for database access, and enforces HTTPS. Option B is wrong because function keys are not secure for user authentication. Option C is wrong because client certificates do not provide user-level authentication. Option D is wrong because IP whitelisting is not a substitute for authentication.
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
This SC-100 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 SC-100 exam.
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