The correct combination is Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) and Dynamic Data Masking (DDM). TDE automatically encrypts the Azure SQL Database at rest, including backups and log files, without requiring any changes to the application, while DDM obfuscates sensitive columns in query results for non-privileged users, meeting the requirement for encryption in transit through enforced TLS connections. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between native Azure SQL features: a common trap is confusing Always Encrypted with TDE, but remember that Always Encrypted protects column data in transit and at rest on the client side, not the entire database at rest. For memory, think “TDE for the whole house, DDM for the windows”—TDE locks the entire database file, while DDM blurs specific columns from prying eyes.
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.
You are designing a security solution for an Azure SQL Database that stores sensitive customer data. The solution must encrypt the database at rest and in transit, and also mask sensitive columns from non-privileged users. Which combination of features should you implement?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) and Dynamic Data Masking (DDM)
Option B is correct because Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) encrypts the database at rest, and Dynamic Data Masking (DDM) masks sensitive columns. Option A is wrong because Always Encrypted encrypts columns at the client side, but does not encrypt the database at rest. Option C is wrong because Always Encrypted does not encrypt at rest fully, and TDE plus DDM is the correct combination. Option D is wrong because cell-level encryption is complex and not native to Azure SQL.
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.
✓
Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) and Dynamic Data Masking (DDM)
Why this is correct
TDE encrypts at rest, DDM masks columns for non-privileged users.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Always Encrypted and Row-Level Security
Why it's wrong here
Always Encrypted encrypts columns but not the entire database at rest.
✗
Always Encrypted and Dynamic Data Masking (DDM)
Why it's wrong here
Always Encrypted does not encrypt the entire database at rest.
✗
Cell-level encryption and row-level security
Why it's wrong here
Cell-level encryption is not a built-in Azure SQL feature.
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 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. Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access. 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.
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.
Design security solutions for infrastructure — This question tests Design security solutions for infrastructure — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) and Dynamic Data Masking (DDM) — Option B is correct because Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) encrypts the database at rest, and Dynamic Data Masking (DDM) masks sensitive columns. Option A is wrong because Always Encrypted encrypts columns at the client side, but does not encrypt the database at rest. Option C is wrong because Always Encrypted does not encrypt at rest fully, and TDE plus DDM is the correct combination. Option D is wrong because cell-level encryption is complex and not native to Azure SQL.
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.
About these practice questions
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These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Your organization is deploying Azure SQL Managed Instance (SQL MI) with sensitive financial data. You need to design a security solution that includes data encryption at rest and in transit, threat detection, and fine-grained access control. The solution must also ensure that database administrators (DBAs) cannot access the data. What should you include?
hard
A.Enable TDE and use server-level firewall rules. Use SQL authentication. Enable auditing.
✓ B.Enable TDE and Always Encrypted for sensitive columns. Use Azure AD authentication. Enable Microsoft Defender for Cloud (SQL) for threat detection. Use Azure Policy to deny DBA access.
C.Use client-side encryption with Always Encrypted. Use SQL authentication. Enable Advanced Threat Protection.
D.Enable TDE and use row-level security (RLS). Use Azure AD authentication. Enable Defender for SQL.
Why B: Option D uses TDE for at-rest encryption, Always Encrypted for column-level encryption, Defender for Cloud for threat detection, and Azure AD authentication to prevent DBA access. Option A lacks Always Encrypted; Option B lacks column encryption; Option C uses client-side encryption incorrectly.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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