The correct combination is to enforce TLS 1.2, configure firewall rules, enable Dynamic Data Masking, and enable auditing, as this directly satisfies all four defense-in-depth requirements for Azure SQL Database. Enforcing TLS 1.2 ensures all connections are encrypted in transit, while firewall rules restrict access to only specific Azure services and on-premises IP ranges. Dynamic Data Masking hides sensitive data from database administrators who can still view the schema, and auditing logs every data access event for compliance. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this scenario tests your ability to layer distinct security controls rather than relying on a single feature like Always Encrypted or VNet service endpoints, which address only one aspect each. A common trap is confusing Dynamic Data Masking with Always Encrypted—remember that masking hides data from users without changing how it’s stored, while encryption protects data at rest and in use. For a quick memory tip, think “TLS, Firewall, Mask, Audit” as the four pillars of Azure SQL Database defense-in-depth.
SC-100 Design security solutions for infrastructure Practice Question
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.
Your organization uses Azure SQL Database for a sensitive financial application. You need to implement a defense-in-depth strategy to protect the database. The requirements are: (1) All connections to the database must be encrypted in transit. (2) Only specific Azure services and on-premises IP ranges should be allowed to connect. (3) Database administrators should be able to view the database schema but not the actual data. (4) Auditing must be enabled for all data access. What combination of features 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
✓
Enforce TLS 1.2, configure firewall rules, enable Dynamic Data Masking, and enable auditing.
Option D is correct because: (1) Enforce TLS 1.2 ensures encryption in transit. (2) Firewall rules restrict access by IP. (3) Dynamic Data Masking hides sensitive data from admins. (4) Auditing logs data access. Option A is wrong because Always Encrypted encrypts data at rest and in use but does not restrict network access. Option B is wrong because VNet service endpoints provide network isolation but do not enforce TLS. Option C is wrong because Azure AD authentication does not restrict network access or mask data.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Enable VNet service endpoints and firewall rules, and require Azure AD authentication.
Why it's wrong here
Does not enforce TLS 1.2 or mask data from admins.
✓
Enforce TLS 1.2, configure firewall rules, enable Dynamic Data Masking, and enable auditing.
Enable Always Encrypted, configure firewall rules, and enable auditing.
Why it's wrong here
Always Encrypted does not enforce TLS 1.2 or restrict network access by IP.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
→Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
→Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
→Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
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 block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related SC-100 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Design security solutions for infrastructure — This question tests Design security solutions for infrastructure — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enforce TLS 1.2, configure firewall rules, enable Dynamic Data Masking, and enable auditing. — Option D is correct because: (1) Enforce TLS 1.2 ensures encryption in transit. (2) Firewall rules restrict access by IP. (3) Dynamic Data Masking hides sensitive data from admins. (4) Auditing logs data access. Option A is wrong because Always Encrypted encrypts data at rest and in use but does not restrict network access. Option B is wrong because VNet service endpoints provide network isolation but do not enforce TLS. Option C is wrong because Azure AD authentication does not restrict network access or mask data.
What should I do if I get this SC-100 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related SC-100 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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