Quick Answer
The correct answer is Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) and Dynamic Data Masking. TDE encrypts data at rest by automatically encrypting the database files and backups without requiring any application changes, while Dynamic Data Masking limits exposure of sensitive data by obfuscating it in query results for non-privileged users. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between data-at-rest encryption (TDE), data-in-transit encryption (Always Encrypted), and data masking—a common trap is confusing Always Encrypted with Dynamic Data Masking, since Always Encrypted protects data in transit but does not mask it from users. Remember the mnemonic: TDE for the disk, DDM for the desk—TDE locks the storage, DDM hides the view.
This SC-100 practice question tests your understanding of design security solutions for infrastructure. 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.
You are designing a security solution for Azure SQL Database. The requirements include: encrypting data at rest and in transit, and masking sensitive data from non-privileged users. Which two features should you implement? (Choose two.)
Dynamic Data Masking
Masks sensitive data from non-privileged users.
Azure Firewall
Why wrong: Not a database security feature.
Transparent Data Encryption (TDE)
Encrypts data at rest in Azure SQL Database.
Column-level encryption
Why wrong: Not called column-level; TDE is the built-in encryption.
Always Encrypted
Why wrong: Protects data in transit but does not mask data.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Dynamic Data Masking
Options A and B are correct: TDE encrypts data at rest, and Dynamic Data Masking hides sensitive data from non-privileged users. Option C is wrong because Always Encrypted protects data in transit between client and server but does not mask data. Option D is wrong because Azure Firewall is a network security service, not a database feature. Option E is wrong because Transparent Data Encryption is at rest, not column-level.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Dynamic Data Masking
Why this is correct
Masks sensitive data from non-privileged users.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Azure Firewall
Why it's wrong here
Not a database security feature.
Transparent Data Encryption (TDE)
Why this is correct
Encrypts data at rest in Azure SQL Database.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Column-level encryption
Why it's wrong here
Not called column-level; TDE is the built-in encryption.
Always Encrypted
Why it's wrong here
Protects data in transit but does not mask data.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
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
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
Design security solutions for infrastructure — This question tests Design security solutions for infrastructure — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: Dynamic Data Masking — Options A and B are correct: TDE encrypts data at rest, and Dynamic Data Masking hides sensitive data from non-privileged users. Option C is wrong because Always Encrypted protects data in transit between client and server but does not mask data. Option D is wrong because Azure Firewall is a network security service, not a database feature. Option E is wrong because Transparent Data Encryption is at rest, not column-level.
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.
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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