The answer is Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policy for Exchange Online, as this technology is specifically designed to detect sensitive data types—such as credit card numbers—and automatically block emails containing them from being sent externally. Purview DLP uses built-in sensitive information types and conditions to inspect email content in transit, then applies an action like blocking the message or sending a notification, which directly meets the requirement to prevent sharing of sensitive documents. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between data protection controls: DLP enforces actions like blocking, while Sensitivity labels and Azure Information Protection (AIP) focus on classification and labeling, not on blocking transmission. A common trap is confusing Defender for Office 365 (which handles threats like phishing) with DLP’s data-centric prevention. Memory tip: DLP = “Detect, then Lock the Path” for sensitive data in email.
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. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 Microsoft 365 and wants to prevent users from sharing sensitive documents externally via email. The solution must be able to detect credit card numbers and automatically block the email. Which technology should you use?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policy for Exchange Online
Option A is correct because Microsoft Purview DLP policies can automatically detect sensitive information types like credit card numbers and block emails. Option B is wrong because Sensitivity labels are for classification, not for blocking. Option C is wrong because AIP (now part of Purview) is for labeling, not for blocking. Option D is wrong because Microsoft Defender for Office 365 focuses on phishing and malware, not on DLP.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Microsoft Purview Sensitivity labels with auto-classification
Why it's wrong here
Sensitivity labels classify data but do not block transmission.
✗
Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Safe Attachments
Why it's wrong here
Safe Attachments scans email attachments for malware, not for sensitive data.
✓
Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policy for Exchange Online
Why this is correct
DLP policies can detect sensitive data and block emails containing that data.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Azure Information Protection (AIP) unified labeling client
Why it's wrong here
AIP is for labeling, not for blocking emails.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this SC-100 question in full detail.
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.
Design security solutions for applications and data — This question tests Design security solutions for applications and data — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policy for Exchange Online — Option A is correct because Microsoft Purview DLP policies can automatically detect sensitive information types like credit card numbers and block emails. Option B is wrong because Sensitivity labels are for classification, not for blocking. Option C is wrong because AIP (now part of Purview) is for labeling, not for blocking. Option D is wrong because Microsoft Defender for Office 365 focuses on phishing and malware, not on DLP.
What should I do if I get this SC-100 question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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