The answer is a virtual machine with an associated network security group (NSG), enabling just-in-time VM access in Microsoft Defender for Cloud, and assigning permissions to request access. These three components are required because JIT works by locking down inbound traffic to the VM via the NSG rules, then temporarily opening specific ports only when an authorized user makes a request through Defender for Cloud’s JIT blade. The permissions component ensures that only approved roles, such as those with the Security Reader or custom JIT roles, can trigger the access window. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this question tests your understanding of the core dependency on NSGs—without them, JIT has no mechanism to enforce access restrictions. A common trap is assuming Azure Bastion or a Log Analytics workspace is mandatory, but Bastion is merely a secure connection option, not a requirement. Memory tip: think “NSG, Enable, Permissions”—the three pillars that form the JIT foundation.
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 using Microsoft Defender for Cloud to protect Azure resources. You need to implement just-in-time (JIT) VM access. Which THREE components are required? (Choose THREE.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Microsoft Defender for Cloud enabled at the subscription level.
Options A, B, and E are required. JIT requires a VM with a network security group (NSG), enabling JIT in Defender for Cloud, and assigning permissions to request access. Option C is wrong because an Azure Bastion host is optional. Option D is wrong because a Log Analytics workspace is not required.
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.
✓
Microsoft Defender for Cloud enabled at the subscription level.
Why this is correct
JIT is a feature of Defender for Cloud.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Azure role-based access control (RBAC) permissions for users to request access.
Why this is correct
Users need permission to request JIT access.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Log Analytics workspace for storing access logs.
Why it's wrong here
Logs can be sent to workspace but not required.
✗
Azure Bastion host for secure RDP/SSH access.
Why it's wrong here
Bastion is optional, not required.
✓
A virtual machine with an associated network security group (NSG).
Why this is correct
JIT uses NSG rules to allow/deny traffic.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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 Defender for Cloud enabled at the subscription level. — Options A, B, and E are required. JIT requires a VM with a network security group (NSG), enabling JIT in Defender for Cloud, and assigning permissions to request access. Option C is wrong because an Azure Bastion host is optional. Option D is wrong because a Log Analytics workspace is not required.
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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