- A
Enable Always Encrypted for sensitive columns, configure dynamic data masking, enable auditing via Azure Policy, and enable TDE with a customer-managed key stored in Azure Key Vault.
Why wrong: Azure Policy does not provide auditing of data access; it is for compliance. SQL auditing is needed.
- B
Enable Always Encrypted for sensitive columns, configure dynamic data masking, disable TDE to improve performance, and use row-level security to restrict access.
Why wrong: Disabling TDE is a security risk. Row-level security does not replace encryption at rest.
- C
Enable Always Encrypted for sensitive columns, configure dynamic data masking, enable SQL Server auditing to Azure Blob Storage, and enable Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) with a service-managed key.
Why wrong: TDE with service-managed key does not meet customer-managed key requirement.
- D
Enable Always Encrypted for sensitive columns, configure dynamic data masking, enable Azure SQL auditing to a Log Analytics workspace, and enable TDE with a customer-managed key stored in Azure Key Vault.
All requirements are met: column encryption, masking, auditing, and CMK encryption.
Quick Answer
The correct configuration is to enable Always Encrypted for sensitive columns, configure dynamic data masking, enable Azure SQL auditing to a Log Analytics workspace, and enable Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) with a customer-managed key (CMK) stored in Azure Key Vault. This combination satisfies all four requirements: Always Encrypted protects sensitive columns at the application level with client-side encryption, dynamic data masking hides data from non-privileged users at query time, auditing to Log Analytics provides centralized, long-term access logs for GDPR compliance, and TDE with CMK ensures encryption at rest where you control the key rotation and revocation in Key Vault. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this scenario tests your ability to layer distinct security controls—column-level, row-level, logging, and storage encryption—without mixing up service-managed versus customer-managed keys. A common trap is assuming server-level audit alone meets GDPR logging needs, but Log Analytics integration offers better querying and retention. Remember the mnemonic: **A-D-A-T** (Always Encrypted, Dynamic masking, Audit to Log Analytics, TDE with CMK).
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. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 company, Lucerne Publishing, is migrating its on-premises SQL Server databases to Azure SQL Managed Instance. The databases contain sensitive customer data subject to GDPR. You need to design a security solution that includes: (1) Always Encrypted for sensitive columns, (2) dynamic data masking for non-privileged users, (3) auditing of all data access, and (4) encryption at rest using customer-managed keys stored in Azure Key Vault. Which of the following configurations should you implement?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"always"Why it matters: Absolute qualifier. An answer using 'always' is only correct if there are genuinely no exceptions — absolute statements are often wrong in networking.
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
Enable Always Encrypted for sensitive columns, configure dynamic data masking, enable Azure SQL auditing to a Log Analytics workspace, and enable TDE with a customer-managed key stored in Azure Key Vault.
Option B is correct because it includes all required features: Always Encrypted for column-level encryption, dynamic data masking, auditing via SQL Audit with Log Analytics, and TDE with CMK in Key Vault. Option A is wrong because TDE with service-managed keys does not meet CMK requirement. Option C is wrong because auditing via server-level audit is possible but not as integrated with Log Analytics. Option D is wrong because disabling TDE is not secure.
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.
- ✗
Enable Always Encrypted for sensitive columns, configure dynamic data masking, enable auditing via Azure Policy, and enable TDE with a customer-managed key stored in Azure Key Vault.
Why it's wrong here
Azure Policy does not provide auditing of data access; it is for compliance. SQL auditing is needed.
- ✗
Enable Always Encrypted for sensitive columns, configure dynamic data masking, disable TDE to improve performance, and use row-level security to restrict access.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling TDE is a security risk. Row-level security does not replace encryption at rest.
- ✗
Enable Always Encrypted for sensitive columns, configure dynamic data masking, enable SQL Server auditing to Azure Blob Storage, and enable Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) with a service-managed key.
Why it's wrong here
TDE with service-managed key does not meet customer-managed key requirement.
- ✓
Enable Always Encrypted for sensitive columns, configure dynamic data masking, enable Azure SQL auditing to a Log Analytics workspace, and enable TDE with a customer-managed key stored in Azure Key Vault.
Why this is correct
All requirements are met: column encryption, masking, auditing, and CMK encryption.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "always" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
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 media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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 — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Design security solutions for applications and data practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All SC-100 questions
969 questions across all exam domains
- →
Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
SC-100 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related SC-100 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Design solutions that align with security best practices and priorities practice questions
Practise SC-100 questions linked to Design solutions that align with security best practices and priorities.
Design security operations, identity, and compliance capabilities practice questions
Practise SC-100 questions linked to Design security operations, identity, and compliance capabilities.
Design security solutions for infrastructure practice questions
Practise SC-100 questions linked to Design security solutions for infrastructure.
Design a Zero Trust strategy and architecture practice questions
Practise SC-100 questions linked to Design a Zero Trust strategy and architecture.
Design security solutions for applications and data practice questions
Practise SC-100 questions linked to Design security solutions for applications and data.
Evaluate GRC and security operations strategies practice questions
Practise SC-100 questions linked to Evaluate GRC and security operations strategies.
Design security for infrastructure practice questions
Practise SC-100 questions linked to Design security for infrastructure.
Design a strategy for data and applications practice questions
Practise SC-100 questions linked to Design a strategy for data and applications.
Recommend security best practices and priorities practice questions
Practise SC-100 questions linked to Recommend security best practices and priorities.
SC-100 fundamentals practice questions
Practise SC-100 questions linked to SC-100 fundamentals.
SC-100 scenario practice questions
Practise SC-100 questions linked to SC-100 scenario.
SC-100 troubleshooting practice questions
Practise SC-100 questions linked to SC-100 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free SC-100 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
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 — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable Always Encrypted for sensitive columns, configure dynamic data masking, enable Azure SQL auditing to a Log Analytics workspace, and enable TDE with a customer-managed key stored in Azure Key Vault. — Option B is correct because it includes all required features: Always Encrypted for column-level encryption, dynamic data masking, auditing via SQL Audit with Log Analytics, and TDE with CMK in Key Vault. Option A is wrong because TDE with service-managed keys does not meet CMK requirement. Option C is wrong because auditing via server-level audit is possible but not as integrated with Log Analytics. Option D is wrong because disabling TDE is not secure.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "always". Absolute qualifier. An answer using 'always' is only correct if there are genuinely no exceptions — absolute statements are often wrong in networking.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.