The correct answer is to use Always Encrypted for sensitive columns and enable Azure SQL Auditing. Always Encrypted protects sensitive columns by encrypting data both at rest and in transit, ensuring that even database administrators or unauthorized users cannot view the plaintext values, while Azure SQL Auditing logs all database queries to meet compliance requirements for tracking access. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish column-level encryption from other data protection features; a common trap is confusing it with Transparent Data Encryption, which encrypts the entire database rather than specific columns, or with Dynamic Data Masking, which only obfuscates data without restricting underlying access. Remember the mnemonic “ACE the audit” — Always Encrypted for Columns, then Enable auditing.
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. 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.
You are designing a solution for an Azure SQL Database that stores sensitive financial data. The compliance team requires that all queries are audited and that access to sensitive columns is restricted for certain users. What should you implement?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use Always Encrypted for sensitive columns and enable Azure SQL Auditing.
Option D is correct because using Always Encrypted protects sensitive columns at rest and in transit, and auditing via Azure SQL Auditing meets compliance. Option A is wrong because TDE encrypts the entire database, not columns. Option B is wrong because Dynamic Data Masking masks data but does not restrict access. Option C is wrong because Row-Level Security restricts rows, not columns.
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.
✗
Enable Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) and SQL Server Audit.
Why it's wrong here
TDE encrypts database, not columns.
✗
Use Dynamic Data Masking and SQL Server Audit.
Why it's wrong here
Masking hides data but does not restrict access.
✗
Implement Row-Level Security (RLS) and enable audit.
Why it's wrong here
RLS restricts rows, not columns.
✓
Use Always Encrypted for sensitive columns and enable Azure SQL Auditing.
Why this is correct
Always Encrypted protects columns and auditing logs queries.
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 company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
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 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.
Design security solutions for applications and data — This question tests Design security solutions for applications and data — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use Always Encrypted for sensitive columns and enable Azure SQL Auditing. — Option D is correct because using Always Encrypted protects sensitive columns at rest and in transit, and auditing via Azure SQL Auditing meets compliance. Option A is wrong because TDE encrypts the entire database, not columns. Option B is wrong because Dynamic Data Masking masks data but does not restrict access. Option C is wrong because Row-Level Security restricts rows, not columns.
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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