The answer is to use parameterized queries in stored procedures and enable Azure WAF on Application Gateway. Parameterized queries prevent SQL injection by ensuring user input is treated strictly as data, not executable code, because the SQL statement structure is pre-defined and compiled separately from the parameter values. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this pairing tests your understanding of defense-in-depth: one control secures the database layer itself, while the other filters malicious payloads at the network edge before they reach Azure SQL Database. A common trap is confusing Row-Level Security or Dynamic Data Masking with injection prevention—those handle access and obfuscation, not code injection. Remember the mnemonic “P.A.W.”: Parameterized queries for the database, Application Gateway WAF for the perimeter, and never rely on masking or encryption to stop injection.
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.
Which TWO actions should you take to secure Azure SQL Database against SQL injection attacks?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enable Azure Web Application Firewall (WAF) on Application Gateway
Using parameterized queries in stored procedures prevents SQL injection by separating SQL code from data. Enabling Azure WAF on Application Gateway filters malicious requests at the network edge. Row-Level Security is for access control, not injection. Always Encrypted protects data at rest. Dynamic Data Masking obfuscates data.
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.
✗
Implement Always Encrypted
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Always Encrypted protects columns at rest, not injection.
✓
Enable Azure Web Application Firewall (WAF) on Application Gateway
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 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: Enable Azure Web Application Firewall (WAF) on Application Gateway — Using parameterized queries in stored procedures prevents SQL injection by separating SQL code from data. Enabling Azure WAF on Application Gateway filters malicious requests at the network edge. Row-Level Security is for access control, not injection. Always Encrypted protects data at rest. Dynamic Data Masking obfuscates data.
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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