The correct answer is to implement private endpoints for Azure SQL Database and Azure Cache for Redis, alongside a private AKS cluster and Always Encrypted for Azure SQL. This combination directly addresses PCI DSS requirements for network isolation and data protection at rest and in transit. Private endpoints ensure that traffic to Azure SQL and Redis never traverses the public internet, while Always Encrypted protects sensitive credit card data within the database itself, even from database administrators. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this scenario tests your ability to layer network security controls with encryption for regulated workloads, often appearing as a multi-select question where you must distinguish between sufficient and insufficient controls. A common trap is choosing Azure RBAC for Kubernetes alone, which manages access but does not enforce network isolation or data encryption. Remember the mnemonic “PEP-AE” for Private Endpoints, Private cluster, and Always Encrypted—these three form the core of a PCI DSS-compliant AKS deployment.
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 financial institution, Contoso Bank, is deploying a new application on Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) that processes credit card transactions (PCI DSS). The application uses Azure SQL Database and Azure Redis Cache. You need to design a security solution that meets PCI DSS requirements. Which THREE of the following should you implement?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Deploy AKS as a private cluster with no public endpoint.
Option A is correct because AKS should be private to isolate the cluster from the internet. Option C is correct because Azure SQL Database should use Always Encrypted for sensitive data. Option E is correct because Azure Cache for Redis should use private endpoints for network isolation. Option B is wrong because Azure RBAC for Kubernetes is not sufficient for PCI DSS; network policies and private cluster are needed. Option D is wrong because Redis cache should be encrypted in transit (TLS) and at rest if needed.
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.
✓
Deploy AKS as a private cluster with no public endpoint.
Why this is correct
Private cluster ensures that the Kubernetes API server is not exposed to the internet.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✓
Configure Always Encrypted for sensitive columns in Azure SQL Database.
Why this is correct
Always Encrypted protects sensitive data at rest and in transit between application and database.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Enable Azure RBAC for Kubernetes authorization.
Why it's wrong here
RBAC alone does not provide network isolation required for PCI DSS.
✓
Use private endpoints for Azure SQL Database and Azure Cache for Redis.
Why this is correct
Private endpoints ensure that traffic to these services stays within the virtual network.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Disable TLS for Azure Cache for Redis to improve performance.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling TLS violates encryption in transit requirements.
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.
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 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: Deploy AKS as a private cluster with no public endpoint. — Option A is correct because AKS should be private to isolate the cluster from the internet. Option C is correct because Azure SQL Database should use Always Encrypted for sensitive data. Option E is correct because Azure Cache for Redis should use private endpoints for network isolation. Option B is wrong because Azure RBAC for Kubernetes is not sufficient for PCI DSS; network policies and private cluster are needed. Option D is wrong because Redis cache should be encrypted in transit (TLS) and at rest if needed.
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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