The answer is a sensitivity label configured with auto-labeling for credit card numbers and encryption for external sharing. This is correct because Microsoft Purview auto-labeling credit cards relies on sensitivity labels that use built-in sensitive information types—such as the credit card number pattern—to automatically detect and classify content, then apply encryption policies when documents are shared externally, fulfilling the requirement for automated protection without manual steps. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how auto-labeling policies differ from manual labeling or DLP rules; a common trap is choosing a Data Loss Prevention policy alone, which can block sharing but does not inherently encrypt the document. Remember the key distinction: auto-labeling with sensitivity labels both classifies and encrypts, while DLP only enforces actions like blocking or warning. A useful memory tip is “Label to lock”—sensitivity labels apply encryption, DLP only blocks.
SC-100 Practice Question: Design solutions that align with security best practices and priorities
This SC-100 practice question tests your understanding of design solutions that align with security best practices and priorities. 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 is adopting Microsoft Purview to classify and protect sensitive data in Microsoft 365. You need to ensure that documents containing credit card numbers are automatically detected and encrypted when shared externally. What should you configure?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
A sensitivity label configured with auto-labeling for credit card numbers and encryption for external sharing
Option B is correct because sensitivity labels in Microsoft Purview can be configured with auto-labeling conditions that detect sensitive data types (e.g., credit card numbers) and automatically apply encryption to documents when shared externally. This meets the requirement of automatic detection and encryption for external sharing without manual user intervention.
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.
✗
An Information Barrier policy between departments
Why it's wrong here
Information Barriers restrict communication, not data protection.
✓
A sensitivity label configured with auto-labeling for credit card numbers and encryption for external sharing
Why this is correct
Auto-labeling detects the data and encryption protects it when shared externally.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
A retention label that deletes documents with credit card numbers after 90 days
Why it's wrong here
Retention labels manage data lifecycle, not protection.
✗
A Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policy that blocks sharing of credit card numbers
Why it's wrong here
DLP blocks sharing but does not encrypt.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is confusing DLP policies (which block or warn) with sensitivity labels (which can auto-apply encryption), leading candidates to choose DLP when the requirement explicitly states 'encrypt when shared externally' rather than block.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Auto-labeling for sensitivity labels uses exact data match (EDM) or built-in sensitive info types (e.g., Credit Card Number) to scan content at rest or in transit. When a document is shared externally, the label triggers encryption via Azure Rights Management (Azure RMS), applying an Encrypt-Only or Do Not Forward template that enforces access controls regardless of where the file is stored.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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.
Design solutions that align with security best practices and priorities — This question tests Design solutions that align with security best practices and priorities — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A sensitivity label configured with auto-labeling for credit card numbers and encryption for external sharing — Option B is correct because sensitivity labels in Microsoft Purview can be configured with auto-labeling conditions that detect sensitive data types (e.g., credit card numbers) and automatically apply encryption to documents when shared externally. This meets the requirement of automatic detection and encryption for external sharing without manual user intervention.
What should I do if I get this SC-100 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Variation 1. A company is adopting Microsoft Purview for data security. They need to prevent users from sharing sensitive data like credit card numbers via email. Which feature should you configure?
easy
A.Audit log search
✓ B.Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policy
C.Insider Risk Management policy
D.Sensitivity labels
Why B: Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies in Microsoft Purview are specifically designed to detect and prevent the accidental or intentional sharing of sensitive information, such as credit card numbers, through email and other channels. By configuring a DLP policy with a rule that scans for credit card number patterns (using predefined or custom sensitive info types), the system can block, quarantine, or notify users when such data is sent via Exchange Online. This directly addresses the requirement to prevent sharing sensitive data via email.
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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