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Design security solutions for infrastructure →mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

Quick Answer

The answer is that the policy denies creation of Windows VMs without automatic updates enabled. This is correct because the Azure Policy definition uses a deny effect triggered by a condition that checks for the absence of the `enableAutomaticUpdates` property on Windows virtual machines; if the property is missing, the policy blocks deployment entirely, rather than merely auditing or allowing it. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this tests your ability to interpret policy effects and conditions, often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must distinguish between deny, audit, and modify effects—a common trap is confusing a missing property with a false value, or assuming the policy applies to all OS types. Remember the mnemonic: “Deny the missing, not the false” to avoid misreading property absence as a boolean check.

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.

Exhibit

Refer to the exhibit.
{
  "properties": {
    "policyRule": {
      "if": {
        "allOf": [
          {
            "field": "type",
            "equals": "Microsoft.Compute/virtualMachines"
          },
          {
            "field": "Microsoft.Compute/virtualMachines/osProfile.windowsConfiguration.enableAutomaticUpdates",
            "exists": "false"
          }
        ]
      },
      "then": {
        "effect": "deny"
      }
    }
  }
}

Refer to the exhibit. You are reviewing an Azure Policy definition. What is the effect of this policy?

Question 1mediummultiple choice
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Exhibit

Refer to the exhibit.
{
  "properties": {
    "policyRule": {
      "if": {
        "allOf": [
          {
            "field": "type",
            "equals": "Microsoft.Compute/virtualMachines"
          },
          {
            "field": "Microsoft.Compute/virtualMachines/osProfile.windowsConfiguration.enableAutomaticUpdates",
            "exists": "false"
          }
        ]
      },
      "then": {
        "effect": "deny"
      }
    }
  }
}

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

✓

Denies creation of Windows VMs without automatic updates enabled

Option B is correct: The policy denies the creation of virtual machines that do not have automatic updates enabled on Windows. Option A is wrong because the policy applies to all VMs, not just Linux. Option C is wrong because the effect is deny, not audit. Option D is wrong because the condition checks for the absence of the property, not its value being false.

Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

  • ✗

    Denies creation of Windows VMs that have automatic updates enabled

    Why it's wrong here

    Condition checks for absence of property, not presence.

  • ✗

    Audits Windows VMs that have automatic updates disabled

    Why it's wrong here

    Effect is deny, not audit.

  • ✗

    Audits Linux VMs that have automatic updates enabled

    Why it's wrong here

    The policy targets Windows VMs and effect is deny.

  • ✓

    Denies creation of Windows VMs without automatic updates enabled

    Why this is correct

    Denies if the property 'enableAutomaticUpdates' does not exist.

    Related concept

    Standard ACLs match source addresses.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match

ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.

KKey Concepts to Remember

  • Standard ACLs match source addresses.
  • Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
  • The first matching ACL entry is used.
  • There is usually an implicit deny at the end.

TExam Day Tips

  • Check inbound versus outbound direction.
  • Read the ACL from top to bottom.
  • Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.

Key takeaway

ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.

Real-world example

How this comes up in practice

An e-commerce site experiences heavy traffic on Black Friday and near-zero traffic during off-peak weeks. Rather than provisioning permanent large VMs, the team uses auto-scaling groups that add capacity automatically under load and reduce it overnight. Questions like this test whether you understand elasticity, availability zones, and cloud compute scaling patterns.

What to study next

Got this wrong? Here's your next step.

Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related SC-100 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.

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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 — Standard ACLs match source addresses..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: Denies creation of Windows VMs without automatic updates enabled — Option B is correct: The policy denies the creation of virtual machines that do not have automatic updates enabled on Windows. Option A is wrong because the policy applies to all VMs, not just Linux. Option C is wrong because the effect is deny, not audit. Option D is wrong because the condition checks for the absence of the property, not its value being false.

What should I do if I get this SC-100 question wrong?

Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related SC-100 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.

What is the key concept behind this question?

Standard ACLs match source addresses.

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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026

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