- A
Restrict network access to the chatbot's IP address. Use a system-assigned managed identity and assign the Cosmos DB Account Reader role.
Why wrong: IP restrictions alone do not authenticate; Account Reader role does not grant data access.
- B
Use a connection string with the Cosmos DB account key and enforce TLS 1.2. Grant the chatbot's managed identity contributor role.
Why wrong: Using connection strings with keys is not recommended; managed identity should be used. Contributor role grants more than necessary.
- C
Enable TLS enforcement on Cosmos DB. Use a managed identity for the chatbot and assign the Cosmos DB Built-in Data Reader role. Configure the chatbot to authenticate using the managed identity.
This meets all requirements: TLS encryption, managed identity, and least privilege with Data Reader role.
- D
Use Azure AD authentication with a service principal and assign the Cosmos DB Built-in Data Contributor role. Enforce TLS 1.2.
Why wrong: Option uses service principal instead of managed identity, and Data Contributor role grants write access unnecessarily.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to enable TLS enforcement on Cosmos DB, use a managed identity for the chatbot, and assign the Cosmos DB Built-in Data Reader role. This combination satisfies all security requirements because TLS encryption protects data in transit, while managed identity eliminates the need for secrets or connection strings by authenticating the chatbot directly to Azure Cosmos DB. The Built-in Data Reader role enforces least privilege by granting read-only access to only the data necessary for the chatbot’s function, preventing any unintended write or delete operations. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how to integrate Azure security controls—specifically managed identity, TLS enforcement, and role-based access control—into an AI workload. A common trap is choosing key-based authentication or IP restrictions, which fail to meet the managed identity and least privilege mandates. Memory tip: think “TLS + MI + Reader” as the triple lock for secure AI data access.
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.
Your company is deploying a new AI-powered customer service chatbot using Azure OpenAI Service. The chatbot will access customer data stored in Azure Cosmos DB. The security team requires that all data in transit is encrypted, and that the chatbot only accesses data necessary for its function. Additionally, the chatbot must use managed identities to authenticate to Cosmos DB. You need to design the security architecture. Which combination of controls should you implement?
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
Enable TLS enforcement on Cosmos DB. Use a managed identity for the chatbot and assign the Cosmos DB Built-in Data Reader role. Configure the chatbot to authenticate using the managed identity.
Option B is correct because it includes all required controls: enforce TLS for data in transit, use managed identity for authentication, and implement least privilege access by granting only read access to the chatbot's identity. Option A is wrong because connection strings expose secrets. Option C is wrong because IP restrictions are not sufficient for authentication. Option D is wrong because it uses key-based authentication instead of managed identity.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Restrict network access to the chatbot's IP address. Use a system-assigned managed identity and assign the Cosmos DB Account Reader role.
Why it's wrong here
IP restrictions alone do not authenticate; Account Reader role does not grant data access.
- ✗
Use a connection string with the Cosmos DB account key and enforce TLS 1.2. Grant the chatbot's managed identity contributor role.
Why it's wrong here
Using connection strings with keys is not recommended; managed identity should be used. Contributor role grants more than necessary.
- ✓
Enable TLS enforcement on Cosmos DB. Use a managed identity for the chatbot and assign the Cosmos DB Built-in Data Reader role. Configure the chatbot to authenticate using the managed identity.
Why this is correct
This meets all requirements: TLS encryption, managed identity, and least privilege with Data Reader role.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Use Azure AD authentication with a service principal and assign the Cosmos DB Built-in Data Contributor role. Enforce TLS 1.2.
Why it's wrong here
Option uses service principal instead of managed identity, and Data Contributor role grants write access unnecessarily.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SC-100 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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Design security solutions for applications and data — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SC-100 question test?
Design security solutions for applications and data — This question tests Design security solutions for applications and data — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable TLS enforcement on Cosmos DB. Use a managed identity for the chatbot and assign the Cosmos DB Built-in Data Reader role. Configure the chatbot to authenticate using the managed identity. — Option B is correct because it includes all required controls: enforce TLS for data in transit, use managed identity for authentication, and implement least privilege access by granting only read access to the chatbot's identity. Option A is wrong because connection strings expose secrets. Option C is wrong because IP restrictions are not sufficient for authentication. Option D is wrong because it uses key-based authentication instead of managed identity.
What should I do if I get this SC-100 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SC-100 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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