The answer is to install the Log Analytics Agent on the Windows server and configure custom log collection. This is the most efficient method because the Log Analytics Agent natively supports ingesting custom text logs by specifying the file path and defining a parsing rule, allowing Sentinel to directly consume the application’s output without additional middleware. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this question tests your understanding of legacy agent capabilities versus modern alternatives; a common trap is assuming the Azure Monitor Agent can handle custom text logs, but it currently lacks this native feature, making the Log Analytics Agent the correct choice despite its deprecated status. Remember the memory tip: “Text logs need the old agent” — if you see a custom text file on Windows, think Log Analytics Agent, not Syslog or Event Hubs.
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 organization uses Microsoft Sentinel as its SIEM. You need to collect logs from a custom line-of-business application that does not support standard syslog or Windows Event Log. The application writes logs to a text file on a Windows server. What is the most efficient way to ingest these logs into Microsoft Sentinel?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Install the Log Analytics Agent (deprecated, but still available) on the server and configure custom log collection.
The Log Analytics Agent can collect custom text logs by specifying the log file path and parsing rules. This is the most direct method. Syslog is for Linux. Azure Monitor Agent does not support custom text logs natively. Event Hubs would require additional configuration. Option A is correct.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Configure the application to send logs to a syslog server and use a syslog connector.
Why it's wrong here
Syslog is not supported on Windows for this scenario; the app doesn't support syslog.
✗
Set up a Azure Event Hubs and have the application write logs to Event Hubs.
Why it's wrong here
This requires modifying the application to push to Event Hubs, which is less efficient.
✗
Use the Azure Monitor Agent to collect the text file via a custom data source.
Why it's wrong here
Azure Monitor Agent does not support custom text logs; it uses data collection rules for specific sources.
✓
Install the Log Analytics Agent (deprecated, but still available) on the server and configure custom log collection.
Why this is correct
The Log Analytics Agent can collect custom text files and parse them.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
Syslog is not supported on Windows for this scenario; the app doesn't support syslog.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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. NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated. 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.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related SC-100 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Design security solutions for applications and data — This question tests Design security solutions for applications and data — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Install the Log Analytics Agent (deprecated, but still available) on the server and configure custom log collection. — The Log Analytics Agent can collect custom text logs by specifying the log file path and parsing rules. This is the most direct method. Syslog is for Linux. Azure Monitor Agent does not support custom text logs natively. Event Hubs would require additional configuration. Option A is correct.
What should I do if I get this SC-100 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related SC-100 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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