Quick Answer
The answer is Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies. Microsoft Purview DLP policies are the correct feature because they are specifically designed to automatically classify and protect sensitive data in SharePoint Online by scanning content for sensitive information types—such as credit card numbers or health records—and then applying protective actions like blocking access or alerting users, all without manual intervention. On the SC-900 exam, this question tests your understanding of how built-in Purview capabilities map to specific compliance needs; a common trap is confusing sensitivity labels with DLP, but remember that labels require user or conditional application, whereas DLP policies enforce automated protection. For a quick memory tip: think of DLP as the "automatic guard" that acts on data, while labels are the "sticky notes" that need to be placed first.
This SC-900 practice question tests your understanding of describe the capabilities of microsoft security solutions. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
A company must ensure that sensitive data in SharePoint Online is automatically classified and protected. They want to use built-in Microsoft Purview capabilities. Which feature should they implement?
Audit logs
Why wrong: Track activities, don't automatically protect.
Sensitivity labels
Why wrong: Labels classify but require configuration to apply automatically.
Data Loss Prevention policies
Automatically detect and protect sensitive data.
Retention policies
Why wrong: Manage data retention, not automatic classification.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Data Loss Prevention policies
Option C is correct because Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies can automatically detect and protect sensitive data. Option A is wrong because sensitivity labels require manual or conditional application. Option B is wrong because retention policies focus on data lifecycle. Option D is wrong because audit logs track activity but don't protect.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Audit logs
Why it's wrong here
Track activities, don't automatically protect.
Sensitivity labels
Why it's wrong here
Labels classify but require configuration to apply automatically.
Data Loss Prevention policies
Why this is correct
Automatically detect and protect sensitive data.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Retention policies
Why it's wrong here
Manage data retention, not automatic classification.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Identify which SC-900 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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FAQ
Describe the capabilities of Microsoft security solutions — This question tests Describe the capabilities of Microsoft security solutions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Data Loss Prevention policies — Option C is correct because Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies can automatically detect and protect sensitive data. Option A is wrong because sensitivity labels require manual or conditional application. Option B is wrong because retention policies focus on data lifecycle. Option D is wrong because audit logs track activity but don't protect.
Identify which SC-900 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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
This SC-900 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-900 exam.
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