- A
Apply a custom Azure Policy definition that denies VNet peering between the new spoke and any VNet other than the hub.
Why wrong: Incorrect: Policy alone doesn't control traffic within peered VNets; firewall rules are still needed.
- B
Configure direct VNet peering between the new spoke and the hub, and use route tables to block traffic to other spokes.
Why wrong: Incorrect: Direct peering and route tables are less scalable and harder to manage.
- C
Deploy a network virtual appliance (NVA) in the new spoke and route all traffic through it.
Why wrong: Incorrect: NVA adds complexity and cost; not the most efficient.
- D
Use AVNM to create a network group for the new spoke and apply security admin rules to block inter-spoke traffic except to the hub.
Correct: AVNM provides scalable, centrally managed isolation.
Quick Answer
The answer is to use Azure Virtual Network Manager (AVNM) to create a network group for the new spoke and apply security admin rules that block inter-spoke traffic except to the shared services hub. This approach is correct because AVNM’s security admin rules are evaluated before Azure Firewall rules, allowing you to centrally enforce isolation at the network manager level while still routing permitted traffic through the hub’s Azure Firewall for inspection. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how to combine AVNM’s connectivity and security configurations with Azure Firewall for scalable, centrally managed network segmentation—a common trap is defaulting to NSGs or manual peering, which lack the centralized enforcement and scalability of AVNM network groups. Remember the key distinction: AVNM security admin rules act as a global “deny most, allow specific” filter before the firewall, making them the most secure and scalable choice for isolating spoke VNets. Memory tip: think “AVNM first, firewall second” to recall the rule evaluation order.
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.
A global enterprise uses Azure Firewall and Azure Virtual Network Manager (AVNM) to manage network security. They want to deploy a new spoke virtual network that must be isolated from all other spokes except one specific shared services hub. The hub uses Azure Firewall to inspect traffic. What is the most secure and scalable way to enforce this isolation?
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
Use AVNM to create a network group for the new spoke and apply security admin rules to block inter-spoke traffic except to the hub.
Using AVNM connectivity and security admin rules allows central management of network groups and firewall policies, ensuring isolation while scaling. Direct peering with route tables is less scalable and lacks central management. NSG on the subnet is not scalable and can be overridden. Enforcing via Azure Policy with deny is possible but less integrated for network topology.
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.
- ✗
Apply a custom Azure Policy definition that denies VNet peering between the new spoke and any VNet other than the hub.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Policy alone doesn't control traffic within peered VNets; firewall rules are still needed.
- ✗
Configure direct VNet peering between the new spoke and the hub, and use route tables to block traffic to other spokes.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Direct peering and route tables are less scalable and harder to manage.
- ✗
Deploy a network virtual appliance (NVA) in the new spoke and route all traffic through it.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: NVA adds complexity and cost; not the most efficient.
- ✓
Use AVNM to create a network group for the new spoke and apply security admin rules to block inter-spoke traffic except to the hub.
Why this is correct
Correct: AVNM provides scalable, centrally managed isolation.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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 healthcare organisation deploys an application with a public-facing web tier and a private database tier. The database subnet has no public IP and only accepts connections from the web tier's security group. Questions like this test whether you can design cloud network isolation using VNets/VPCs, subnets, and security group rules.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SC-100 question test?
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: Use AVNM to create a network group for the new spoke and apply security admin rules to block inter-spoke traffic except to the hub. — Using AVNM connectivity and security admin rules allows central management of network groups and firewall policies, ensuring isolation while scaling. Direct peering with route tables is less scalable and lacks central management. NSG on the subnet is not scalable and can be overridden. Enforcing via Azure Policy with deny is possible but less integrated for network topology.
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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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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