Quick Answer
The answer is Azure Backup and Network Security Groups (NSGs). NSGs implement network segmentation by filtering inbound and outbound traffic to Azure VMs based on rules, creating a perimeter defense that limits lateral movement in case of a breach, while Azure Backup provides data protection by ensuring recoverable copies of VM data are stored in a separate vault, safeguarding against ransomware or accidental deletion. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this pairing tests your understanding of defense in depth as a layered strategy—combining network controls with data resilience—and often appears in scenario-based questions where you must identify which services address distinct security layers. A common trap is confusing Azure Front Door or Logic Apps with core VM protection; remember that NSGs and Backup directly secure the VM’s network and data planes, not global routing or automation. Memory tip: “NSG for the gate, Backup for the state.”
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.
Which TWO Azure services should you use to implement a defense-in-depth strategy for protecting Azure virtual machines?
Network Security Groups (NSGs)
NSGs filter traffic at the network layer.
Azure Logic Apps
Why wrong: Logic Apps is for workflow automation, not security.
Azure Backup
Backup protects against data loss from ransomware or disasters.
Azure Automation
Why wrong: Automation is for orchestration, not a security control.
Azure Front Door
Why wrong: Front Door is a global load balancer, not a security layer.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Network Security Groups (NSGs)
Options A and D are correct because NSGs provide network segmentation and Azure Backup provides data protection. Option B is wrong because Azure Front Door is for global load balancing. Option C is wrong because Azure Logic Apps is an integration service. Option E is wrong because Azure Automation is for process automation.
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.
Network Security Groups (NSGs)
Why this is correct
NSGs filter traffic at the network layer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Azure Logic Apps
Why it's wrong here
Logic Apps is for workflow automation, not security.
Azure Backup
Why this is correct
Backup protects against data loss from ransomware or disasters.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Azure Automation
Why it's wrong here
Automation is for orchestration, not a security control.
Azure Front Door
Why it's wrong here
Front Door is a global load balancer, not a security layer.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
An e-commerce site experiences heavy traffic on Black Friday and near-zero traffic during off-peak weeks. Rather than provisioning permanent large VMs, the team uses auto-scaling groups that add capacity automatically under load and reduce it overnight. Questions like this test whether you understand elasticity, availability zones, and cloud compute scaling patterns.
What to study next
Identify which SC-100 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Design security solutions for infrastructure — This question tests Design security solutions for infrastructure — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Network Security Groups (NSGs) — Options A and D are correct because NSGs provide network segmentation and Azure Backup provides data protection. Option B is wrong because Azure Front Door is for global load balancing. Option C is wrong because Azure Logic Apps is an integration service. Option E is wrong because Azure Automation is for process automation.
Identify which SC-100 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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.
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