The correct capabilities are blocking the sharing of sensitive data via email and providing policy tips to users when they attempt to share sensitive data. Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention (DLP) works by inspecting content in transit across services like Exchange Online, applying actions such as blocking messages or displaying real-time policy tips that warn users before they share sensitive information, with an option to override the block by providing a business justification. On the SC-900 exam, this tests your understanding of how DLP policies enforce data protection through both preventive controls (blocking) and user education (policy tips), often appearing as a scenario where you must distinguish between detection, notification, and enforcement actions. A common trap is confusing DLP’s ability to block data in transit with encryption or retention capabilities, which are separate Purview features. Remember the mnemonic “Block and Warn” to recall that DLP’s core capabilities are stopping data leaks and alerting users in real time.
SC-900 Practice Question: Describe the capabilities of Microsoft compliance solutions
This SC-900 practice question tests your understanding of describe the capabilities of microsoft compliance solutions. 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.
Which TWO of the following are capabilities of Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Block sharing of sensitive data via email.
Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is designed to detect and prevent the accidental or intentional sharing of sensitive information. Option C is correct because DLP policies can block the sharing of sensitive data via email by inspecting content in transit and applying actions such as blocking the message. Option E is correct because DLP can display policy tips to users in real time, warning them before they share sensitive data and allowing them to override the block with justification.
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.
✗
Define retention periods for documents.
Why it's wrong here
Retention is managed by Data Lifecycle Management or Records Management.
✗
Search for content in Exchange Online mailboxes.
Why it's wrong here
Search is part of eDiscovery.
✓
Block sharing of sensitive data via email.
Why this is correct
DLP policies can block email sharing of sensitive info.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Automatically apply sensitivity labels to content.
Why it's wrong here
Auto-labeling is a separate feature in Purview.
✓
Provide policy tips to users when they attempt to share sensitive data.
Why this is correct
DLP policy tips notify users and allow override with justification.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse DLP with other Microsoft Purview solutions: they may think DLP defines retention periods (Records Management), searches content (eDiscovery), or applies sensitivity labels (Information Protection), when in fact DLP focuses on preventing data loss through monitoring and blocking actions, not on lifecycle management or labeling.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
DLP policies in Microsoft Purview operate on content in motion (e.g., email, Teams messages) and at rest (e.g., SharePoint, OneDrive) by using sensitive information types (e.g., credit card numbers, passport numbers) or trainable classifiers. When a policy tip is shown, the user can override the block by providing a business justification, which is logged for audit. DLP rules can also trigger automated incident reports and apply encryption or block actions via Exchange transport rules or Microsoft 365 DLP engine.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this SC-900 question in full detail.
Describe the capabilities of Microsoft compliance solutions — This question tests Describe the capabilities of Microsoft compliance solutions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Block sharing of sensitive data via email. — Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is designed to detect and prevent the accidental or intentional sharing of sensitive information. Option C is correct because DLP policies can block the sharing of sensitive data via email by inspecting content in transit and applying actions such as blocking the message. Option E is correct because DLP can display policy tips to users in real time, warning them before they share sensitive data and allowing them to override the block with justification.
What should I do if I get this SC-900 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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. A company wants to ensure that emails containing credit card numbers are blocked from being sent externally. Which Microsoft Purview solution should they use?
easy
A.Sensitivity labels
B.Communication compliance
C.Information barriers
✓ D.Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policy
Why D: Option B is correct because Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies can detect sensitive information like credit card numbers and block external sharing. Option A is wrong because sensitivity labels classify data but do not prevent sharing. Option C is wrong because communication compliance monitors for policy violations but does not block data exfiltration. Option D is wrong because information barriers restrict communication between specific groups, not sensitive data.
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
Question Discussion
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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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