The answer is Microsoft Purview Information Protection with encryption and usage rights. This technology ensures that files remain encrypted and access-controlled even after they are downloaded to a personal device because the protection travels with the file itself, applying persistent usage restrictions such as view-only or no-print regardless of where the file is stored. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how to protect data at rest outside the tenant boundary, often appearing as a distractor against BitLocker (which encrypts the device, not the file) or Office 365 Message Encryption (which is email-specific). A common trap is choosing Azure Information Protection, but the exam expects the more current and specific Purview Information Protection label. Remember the memory tip: “Purview travels with the file; BitLocker stays on the drive.”
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.
You are designing a data security solution for a Microsoft 365 tenant that contains highly confidential files. You need to ensure that these files are encrypted and can only be accessed by authorized users, even if the files are downloaded and stored on a personal device. Which technology should you use?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Microsoft Purview Information Protection with encryption and usage rights
Option D is correct: Microsoft Purview Information Protection with encryption and usage rights restricts access even after download, because the protection travels with the file. Option A is wrong: BitLocker encrypts the device, not individual files. Option B is wrong: Office 365 Message Encryption is for email, not files. Option C is wrong: Azure Information Protection (now part of Purview) is the correct technology, but the more specific answer is Purview Information Protection.
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.
✗
Office 365 Message Encryption
Why it's wrong here
OME is for email messages, not files.
✓
Microsoft Purview Information Protection with encryption and usage rights
Why this is correct
This protects files persistently, even when downloaded.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
BitLocker Drive Encryption
Why it's wrong here
BitLocker encrypts the entire drive, not individual files, and does not follow the file.
✗
Azure Information Protection
Why it's wrong here
AIP is the older name; Purview Information Protection is the current service.
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 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.
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: Microsoft Purview Information Protection with encryption and usage rights — Option D is correct: Microsoft Purview Information Protection with encryption and usage rights restricts access even after download, because the protection travels with the file. Option A is wrong: BitLocker encrypts the device, not individual files. Option B is wrong: Office 365 Message Encryption is for email, not files. Option C is wrong: Azure Information Protection (now part of Purview) is the correct technology, but the more specific answer is Purview Information Protection.
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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