The correct answer is that the policy audits SQL databases for TDE and marks non-compliant resources. This is because the policy assignment’s enforcementMode is set to 'Default', which means the Azure Policy audit effect actively evaluates and reports compliance status, flagging any SQL database without transparent data encryption enabled as non-compliant. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how enforcementMode controls whether a policy is actively enforced or merely logged; a common trap is confusing 'Default' with 'DoNotEnforce', which would only audit without marking non-compliance. Remember that 'Default' equals full enforcement and compliance marking, while 'DoNotEnforce' is a silent audit only—think of it as “Default = Do enforce, DoNotEnforce = Don’t touch.”
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.
Refer to the exhibit. You are auditing an Azure subscription. The Azure Policy assignment above is targeting a resource group. The policy definition ID corresponds to a built-in policy that audits if SQL databases have transparent data encryption (TDE) enabled. What is the effect of this policy assignment?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The policy audits SQL databases for TDE and marks non-compliant resources.
Option B is correct. The policy assignment has enforcementMode set to 'Default', which means it will audit and enforce the policy (e.g., mark non-compliant resources). If enforcementMode were 'DoNotEnforce', it would only audit. Option A is wrong because enforcementMode is not set to DoNotEnforce. Option C is wrong because the policy does not automatically enable TDE; it only audits. Option D is wrong because the scope is a resource group, not an entire management group.
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.
✗
The policy automatically enables TDE on non-compliant SQL databases.
Why it's wrong here
Policy only audits, does not remediate.
✗
The policy is only reported as audit, not enforced.
Why it's wrong here
EnforcementMode is Default, not DoNotEnforce.
✗
The policy applies to all resources in the management group.
Why it's wrong here
Scope is a specific resource group.
✓
The policy audits SQL databases for TDE and marks non-compliant resources.
Why this is correct
Default enforcement audits and enforces.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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: The policy audits SQL databases for TDE and marks non-compliant resources. — Option B is correct. The policy assignment has enforcementMode set to 'Default', which means it will audit and enforce the policy (e.g., mark non-compliant resources). If enforcementMode were 'DoNotEnforce', it would only audit. Option A is wrong because enforcementMode is not set to DoNotEnforce. Option C is wrong because the policy does not automatically enable TDE; it only audits. Option D is wrong because the scope is a resource group, not an entire management group.
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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