- A
Configure Cosmos DB to require TLS for all client connections.
TLS encrypts data in transit between the client and Cosmos DB.
- B
Use Azure SQL Database instead of Cosmos DB for better security features.
Why wrong: The scenario specifies Cosmos DB; SQL Database is a different service.
- C
Use a private endpoint for Cosmos DB and restrict access to the private endpoint.
Private endpoints ensure that traffic to Cosmos DB stays within the Microsoft network and can be restricted.
- D
Enable encryption at rest on the Cosmos DB account using customer-managed keys.
Encryption at rest is enabled by default; customer-managed keys provide additional control.
- E
Configure the Cosmos DB firewall to allow access from all Azure services.
Why wrong: Allowing all Azure services is too broad; should restrict to specific VNet or IP.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to enable encryption at rest with customer-managed keys, enforce TLS for all requests, and use a private endpoint for Azure Cosmos DB. This combination ensures comprehensive data protection: encryption at rest safeguards stored data, TLS enforces encryption in transit, and a private endpoint restricts network access to only specific Azure services and IP addresses by removing public internet exposure. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this scenario tests your understanding of defense-in-depth for PaaS databases, where a common trap is confusing Azure SQL Database with Cosmos DB or assuming that allowing all Azure services is sufficient for network control. Remember the three pillars: rest, transit, and network isolation—or the mnemonic "RTN" (Rest, TLS, Network endpoint) to recall the required actions.
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 organization is developing a new application that will use Azure Cosmos DB. The security team requires that all data be encrypted at rest and in transit, and that access to the database is limited to specific Azure services and IP addresses. The application will run on Azure VMs. Which three actions should you take? (Choose three.)
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
Configure Cosmos DB to require TLS for all client connections.
Option A, B, and D are correct. Option A: Enforce TLS for all requests to Cosmos DB for encryption in transit. Option B: Use a private endpoint for Cosmos DB to restrict network access. Option D: Enable encryption at rest (which is on by default) and ensure customer-managed keys if required. Option C is wrong because firewall rules are needed, but they should be set to allow only the VM's public IP or the private endpoint; allowing all Azure services is too permissive. Option E is wrong because Azure SQL Database is not Cosmos DB.
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.
- ✓
Configure Cosmos DB to require TLS for all client connections.
Why this is correct
TLS encrypts data in transit between the client and Cosmos DB.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use Azure SQL Database instead of Cosmos DB for better security features.
Why it's wrong here
The scenario specifies Cosmos DB; SQL Database is a different service.
- ✓
Use a private endpoint for Cosmos DB and restrict access to the private endpoint.
Why this is correct
Private endpoints ensure that traffic to Cosmos DB stays within the Microsoft network and can be restricted.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Enable encryption at rest on the Cosmos DB account using customer-managed keys.
Why this is correct
Encryption at rest is enabled by default; customer-managed keys provide additional control.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Configure the Cosmos DB firewall to allow access from all Azure services.
Why it's wrong here
Allowing all Azure services is too broad; should restrict to specific VNet or IP.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
The scenario specifies Cosmos DB; SQL Database is a different service.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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.
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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 — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure Cosmos DB to require TLS for all client connections. — Option A, B, and D are correct. Option A: Enforce TLS for all requests to Cosmos DB for encryption in transit. Option B: Use a private endpoint for Cosmos DB to restrict network access. Option D: Enable encryption at rest (which is on by default) and ensure customer-managed keys if required. Option C is wrong because firewall rules are needed, but they should be set to allow only the VM's public IP or the private endpoint; allowing all Azure services is too permissive. Option E is wrong because Azure SQL Database is not Cosmos DB.
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.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
This SC-100 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SC-100 exam.
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