The answer is to use Azure Policy to enforce that containers run only from allowed registries. This is correct because Azure Policy for Kubernetes integrates with the AKS admission controller to evaluate and deny any pod creation that attempts to pull an image from an unapproved source, using the built-in policy definition 'Ensure only allowed container images'. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how to enforce image authorization at the cluster level, often appearing as a distractor against network policies (which control east-west traffic, not image sources) or Microsoft Defender for Containers (which provides runtime threat detection, not pre-deployment enforcement). A common trap is confusing image authorization with image scanning or network segmentation. Memory tip: think of Azure Policy as the bouncer at the registry door—it checks the image's ID before it ever enters the cluster.
SC-100 Design security solutions for infrastructure Practice Question
This SC-100 practice question tests your understanding of design security solutions for infrastructure. 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.
You are designing a security solution for Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS). You need to ensure that only authorized container images from a private container registry can run in the cluster. What should you configure?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use Azure Policy to enforce that containers run only from allowed registries.
Option B is correct because Azure Policy for Kubernetes can enforce using only images from specific registries via built-in policy 'Ensure only allowed container images'. Option A is wrong because AKS network policies control traffic, not image source. Option C is wrong because Azure Container Registry tasks build images, not enforce usage. Option D is wrong because Microsoft Defender for Containers provides threat detection, not image authorization.
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 Azure Policy to enforce that containers run only from allowed registries.
Why this is correct
Azure Policy for Kubernetes has a built-in policy to restrict container images.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Implement Azure Container Registry tasks to scan images.
Why it's wrong here
Tasks are for automation, not enforcement.
✗
Configure network policies in AKS to block outbound traffic to public registries.
Why it's wrong here
Network policies do not prevent pods from referencing unauthorized images.
✗
Enable Microsoft Defender for Containers to block unauthorized images.
Why it's wrong here
Defender detects threats but does not block image deployment.
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 healthcare organisation deploys an application with a public-facing web tier and a private database tier. The database subnet has no public IP and only accepts connections from the web tier's security group. Questions like this test whether you can design cloud network isolation using VNets/VPCs, subnets, and security group rules.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this SC-100 question in full detail.
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.
Design security solutions for infrastructure — This question tests Design security solutions for infrastructure — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use Azure Policy to enforce that containers run only from allowed registries. — Option B is correct because Azure Policy for Kubernetes can enforce using only images from specific registries via built-in policy 'Ensure only allowed container images'. Option A is wrong because AKS network policies control traffic, not image source. Option C is wrong because Azure Container Registry tasks build images, not enforce usage. Option D is wrong because Microsoft Defender for Containers provides threat detection, not image authorization.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which TWO of the following are valid methods to secure Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) workloads?
medium
✓ A.Integrate Azure AD for cluster authentication
B.Apply Network Security Groups to pod subnets
C.Deploy Azure Firewall in front of the AKS cluster
D.Use Azure Front Door to protect API endpoints
✓ E.Use Azure Policy with Azure Policy for AKS (Gatekeeper)
Why A: Option A is correct because Azure AD integration enables authentication for AKS clusters. Option C is correct because Azure Policy with Gatekeeper can enforce security policies on AKS. Option B is wrong because Network Security Groups apply to VMs, not AKS pods. Option D is wrong because Azure Firewall is for network-level filtering, not workload security. Option E is wrong because Azure Front Door is for global load balancing, not AKS workload security.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.