Quick Answer
The correct solution is to use a Key Vault event grid subscription to trigger an Azure Function for rotation. This works because Azure Key Vault emits events through Event Grid when a secret is near expiration, and an Azure Function subscribed to that event can execute the rotation logic immediately, providing near-real-time automation without the need for constant polling. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this scenario tests your understanding of event-driven architectures versus timer-based or manual approaches; a common trap is choosing a scheduled Azure Automation runbook, which introduces latency and complexity. Remember the mnemonic “KV-EG-Func” to recall the chain: Key Vault emits, Event Grid routes, Function rotates.
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 Key Vault to store secrets for their applications. They want to ensure that secrets can be automatically rotated when they are close to expiration. Which solution should they implement?
Use Azure DevOps release pipeline to rotate secrets
Why wrong: Not designed for automatic rotation.
Use Azure Automation with a schedule to check expiration and rotate
Why wrong: Polling-based, not automatic.
Use Key Vault event grid subscription to trigger an Azure Function for rotation
Event-driven rotation on secret expiration.
Use Azure Logic Apps with a recurrence trigger to rotate secrets
Why wrong: Polling-based, not event-driven.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Use Key Vault event grid subscription to trigger an Azure Function for rotation
Option C is correct because Azure Key Vault can emit events via Event Grid when a secret is near expiration, and an Azure Function subscribed to that event can perform the rotation logic immediately. This event-driven approach ensures near-real-time rotation without polling, aligning with the requirement for automatic rotation close to expiration.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Use Azure DevOps release pipeline to rotate secrets
Why it's wrong here
Not designed for automatic rotation.
Use Azure Automation with a schedule to check expiration and rotate
Why it's wrong here
Polling-based, not automatic.
Use Key Vault event grid subscription to trigger an Azure Function for rotation
Why this is correct
Event-driven rotation on secret expiration.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Use Azure Logic Apps with a recurrence trigger to rotate secrets
Why it's wrong here
Polling-based, not event-driven.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often choose polling-based solutions (Azure Automation or Logic Apps with recurrence) because they seem simpler, but the exam expects event-driven architecture using Event Grid for real-time, efficient rotation without polling overhead.
Detailed technical explanation
Key Vault emits events like 'SecretNearExpiry' on the Event Grid topic when a secret is within 30 days of expiration (configurable via the 'expirationDate' property). The Azure Function triggered by this event can use the Key Vault SDK to generate a new secret version and update the expiration date, enabling seamless rotation without downtime. This pattern is part of the Azure Key Vault managed rotation solution, which supports both Event Grid and Azure Functions for automated lifecycle management.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
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FAQ
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..
The correct answer is: Use Key Vault event grid subscription to trigger an Azure Function for rotation — Option C is correct because Azure Key Vault can emit events via Event Grid when a secret is near expiration, and an Azure Function subscribed to that event can perform the rotation logic immediately. This event-driven approach ensures near-real-time rotation without polling, aligning with the requirement for automatic rotation close to expiration.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 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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