Quick Answer
The answer is application rules, because Azure Firewall application rules are specifically designed to allow outbound HTTP and HTTPS traffic to fully qualified domain names (FQDNs) while blocking all other outbound traffic. Unlike network rules, which filter by IP addresses and ports, application rules inspect the Host header in HTTP/HTTPS requests, enabling granular control over which FQDNs are permitted. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this concept tests your understanding of Azure Firewall rule types and their appropriate use cases, often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must distinguish between network, NAT, threat intelligence, and application rules. A common trap is confusing network rules for FQDN filtering, but remember that network rules cannot filter by domain name—only by IP and port. For a quick memory tip: think “app rules for apps” since application rules handle application-layer protocols like HTTP and HTTPS, while network rules handle lower-layer traffic.
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.
Your company uses Azure Firewall to filter outbound traffic from a virtual network. You need to allow only HTTP and HTTPS traffic to specific FQDNs, while blocking all other outbound traffic. Which Azure Firewall rule type should you use?
NAT rule
Why wrong: NAT rules are for destination network address translation.
Application rule
Application rules allow filtering by FQDN for HTTP/HTTPS.
Threat intelligence rule
Why wrong: Threat intelligence rules block malicious traffic, not allow specific FQDNs.
Network rule
Why wrong: Network rules do not support FQDN filtering.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Application rule
Option D is correct because application rules allow filtering based on FQDNs for HTTP/HTTPS. Option A is wrong because network rules filter by IP/port, not FQDN. Option B is wrong because NAT rules only translate addresses. Option C is wrong because threat intelligence rules block known malicious IPs.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
NAT rule
Why it's wrong here
NAT rules are for destination network address translation.
Application rule
Threat intelligence rule
Why it's wrong here
Threat intelligence rules block malicious traffic, not allow specific FQDNs.
Network rule
Why it's wrong here
Network rules do not support FQDN filtering.
Common exam traps
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
A healthcare organisation deploys an application with a public-facing web tier and a private database tier. The database subnet has no public IP and only accepts connections from the web tier's security group. Questions like this test whether you can design cloud network isolation using VNets/VPCs, subnets, and security group rules.
What to study next
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related SC-100 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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FAQ
Design security solutions for infrastructure — This question tests Design security solutions for infrastructure — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: Application rule — Option D is correct because application rules allow filtering based on FQDNs for HTTP/HTTPS. Option A is wrong because network rules filter by IP/port, not FQDN. Option B is wrong because NAT rules only translate addresses. Option C is wrong because threat intelligence rules block known malicious IPs.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related SC-100 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Same concept, more angles
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Variation 1. A company uses Azure Firewall to protect their virtual network. They need to allow outbound HTTPS traffic to a specific external website while blocking all other outbound traffic. What should they configure?
easyWhy A: Option A is correct because Application Rules filter outbound traffic based on FQDN (e.g., *.contoso.com). Option B is wrong because Network Rules filter based on IP addresses/ports, not FQDNs. Option C is wrong because DNAT rules are for inbound traffic. Option D is wrong because Threat Intelligence rules block known malicious IPs/FQDNs, not allow specific ones.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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