- A
Deploy the application in an Azure App Service Environment (ASE) with a private endpoint and enable SQL Server encryption.
Why wrong: ASE is for App Service, not AKS; the scenario specifies AKS.
- B
Use Azure Service Endpoints for the AKS cluster and enable Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) on Azure SQL Database.
Why wrong: Service endpoints do not provide encryption in transit and do not enforce network segmentation within the cluster.
- C
Deploy Azure Firewall in front of the AKS cluster and enable SSL/TLS termination at the firewall for all incoming traffic.
Why wrong: Azure Firewall does not provide network segmentation within the AKS cluster and does not encrypt internal traffic.
- D
Use Azure Policy to enforce encryption and network policies in AKS, and enable TDE and Always Encrypted for Azure SQL Database.
Azure Policy can enforce encryption at rest and in transit; network policies provide segmentation; TDE and Always Encrypted protect data at rest and in use.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to use Azure Policy to enforce encryption and network policies in AKS, and enable TDE and Always Encrypted for Azure SQL Database. This approach is most secure because Azure Policy provides a centralized, declarative way to enforce both encryption at rest and in transit across the AKS cluster, while also implementing network policies for granular segmentation between pods, which is critical for PCI DSS compliance. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between platform-level controls like Azure Policy and perimeter-only solutions such as Azure Firewall or service endpoints, which fail to enforce internal segmentation or encrypt in-transit traffic within the cluster. A common trap is choosing Azure Firewall, but remember that PCI DSS requires micro-segmentation inside the cluster, not just a network perimeter. Memory tip: Think "Policy for Pods, TDE for Tables" to recall that Azure Policy handles AKS-level controls while TDE and Always Encrypted protect the Azure SQL Database layer.
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 services company is deploying a new application on Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS). The application must meet PCI DSS compliance requirements, which mandate encryption of data at rest and in transit, as well as network segmentation. The application will use Azure SQL Database. What is the MOST secure approach to meet these requirements?
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
Use Azure Policy to enforce encryption and network policies in AKS, and enable TDE and Always Encrypted for Azure SQL Database.
Option C is correct because it combines Azure Policy to enforce encryption, network policies for segmentation, and Azure SQL Database with TDE and Always Encrypted for data protection. Option A is wrong because service endpoints do not encrypt in-transit traffic and do not provide segmentation. Option B is wrong because Azure Firewall is a perimeter firewall, not granular network policy within AKS. Option D is wrong because App Service Environment is not used for AKS.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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 the application in an Azure App Service Environment (ASE) with a private endpoint and enable SQL Server encryption.
Why it's wrong here
ASE is for App Service, not AKS; the scenario specifies AKS.
- ✗
Use Azure Service Endpoints for the AKS cluster and enable Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) on Azure SQL Database.
Why it's wrong here
Service endpoints do not provide encryption in transit and do not enforce network segmentation within the cluster.
- ✗
Deploy Azure Firewall in front of the AKS cluster and enable SSL/TLS termination at the firewall for all incoming traffic.
Why it's wrong here
Azure Firewall does not provide network segmentation within the AKS cluster and does not encrypt internal traffic.
- ✓
Use Azure Policy to enforce encryption and network policies in AKS, and enable TDE and Always Encrypted for Azure SQL Database.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
ASE is for App Service, not AKS; the scenario specifies AKS.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related SC-100 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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Design security solutions for applications and data — study guide chapter
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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 — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use Azure Policy to enforce encryption and network policies in AKS, and enable TDE and Always Encrypted for Azure SQL Database. — Option C is correct because it combines Azure Policy to enforce encryption, network policies for segmentation, and Azure SQL Database with TDE and Always Encrypted for data protection. Option A is wrong because service endpoints do not encrypt in-transit traffic and do not provide segmentation. Option B is wrong because Azure Firewall is a perimeter firewall, not granular network policy within AKS. Option D is wrong because App Service Environment is not used for AKS.
What should I do if I get this SC-100 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related SC-100 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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