Microsoft SC-401  Administering Information Security in Microsoft 365 Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set 2 Q21-40

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Question 21

Your company is migrating sensitive workloads to Azure and wants to ensure all virtual machines (VMs) have endpoint protection and continuous vulnerability assessment. Which solution combination is most appropriate?

A) Microsoft Defender for Endpoint + Microsoft Defender for Cloud
B) Azure Firewall + Azure Key Vault
C) Microsoft Intune + Azure Policy
D) Microsoft Sentinel + Azure Monitor

Answer: A) Microsoft Defender for Endpoint + Microsoft Defender for Cloud

Explanation: 

Defender for Endpoint protects VMs from malware, ransomware, and other threats. Defender for Cloud provides continuous security assessments, vulnerability scanning, and recommendations for cloud workloads. This combination ensures layered protection for migrated workloads.

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, combined with Microsoft Defender for Cloud, provides a comprehensive threat protection and security management solution for enterprise environments. The correct answer is option A: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint + Microsoft Defender for Cloud. This combination delivers endpoint protection, advanced threat detection, and cloud workload security, enabling organizations to protect devices, applications, and cloud resources from modern cyber threats. Understanding why this is the correct choice requires examining each of the four options in detail.

A) Microsoft Defender for Endpoint + Microsoft Defender for Cloud
This is the correct answer. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is an enterprise endpoint security platform that provides advanced protection, detection, investigation, and response capabilities for desktops, laptops, servers, and mobile devices. It helps organizations detect malware, ransomware, and other threats, and it includes automated investigation and remediation to reduce the impact of security incidents. Microsoft Defender for Cloud, on the other hand, is a cloud security posture management (CSPM) and cloud workload protection platform (CWPP) that provides visibility into security configurations, vulnerability assessments, and threat protection for Azure resources and hybrid environments. Together, these solutions provide end-to-end security coverage: Defender for Endpoint secures the devices themselves, while Defender for Cloud protects workloads, configurations, and cloud assets. This integrated approach allows organizations to maintain a strong security posture across both endpoints and cloud environments, detect threats proactively, and respond quickly to incidents.

B) Azure Firewall + Azure Key Vault
Azure Firewall is a cloud-based network security service that controls inbound and outbound traffic, while Azure Key Vault secures cryptographic keys, secrets, and certificates. Although these tools enhance network security and data protection, they do not provide endpoint threat detection or advanced cloud workload protection. Firewall and key management are essential components of an overall security strategy, but they do not address the comprehensive detection, response, and monitoring capabilities provided by Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and Defender for Cloud.

C) Microsoft Intune + Azure Policy
Microsoft Intune is a mobile device and application management solution that enforces compliance and security policies on devices, and Azure Policy is a governance tool that ensures resources are configured according to organizational standards. While both tools help maintain compliance and secure configurations, they do not provide real-time threat detection, advanced malware protection, or cloud workload security. They focus on device management and policy enforcement rather than proactive security monitoring and incident response.

D) Microsoft Sentinel + Azure Monitor
Microsoft Sentinel is a cloud-native SIEM and SOAR solution that centralizes security monitoring and enables automated incident response, and Azure Monitor provides telemetry and performance monitoring across Azure resources. While this combination supports detection and monitoring, it does not provide direct endpoint protection or cloud workload security. Sentinel and Azure Monitor primarily focus on analyzing logs and responding to detected incidents rather than preventing threats at the endpoint or cloud resource level.

In conclusion, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint combined with Microsoft Defender for Cloud is the correct choice because it provides comprehensive security coverage across both devices and cloud resources. While Azure Firewall + Key Vault focus on network and key security, Intune + Azure Policy manage compliance and device settings, and Sentinel + Azure Monitor provide monitoring and alerting, none of these combinations offer the integrated endpoint protection and cloud workload security delivered by Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and Defender for Cloud. Together, they enable proactive threat detection, automated response, and enhanced protection, making option A the most effective solution for modern enterprise cybersecurity.

Question 22

A company wants to enforce least privilege access for all administrative roles and requires approval workflows for role activation. Which solution should be implemented?

A) Azure AD Privileged Identity Management (PIM)
B) Azure Firewall
C) Microsoft Information Protection
D) Microsoft Cloud App Security

Answer: A) Azure AD Privileged Identity Management (PIM)

Explanation: 

PIM allows just-in-time access to privileged roles, approval workflows, and time-bound access. It enforces least privilege by limiting permanent access to critical administrative accounts.

Azure AD Privileged Identity Management (PIM) is a critical security solution designed to manage, control, and monitor privileged accounts within an organization. The correct answer to this question is option A: Azure AD Privileged Identity Management (PIM). PIM ensures that privileged access to resources, including Azure AD, Microsoft 365, and other integrated applications, is granted only when necessary, reducing the risk of misuse, insider threats, and credential compromise. Understanding why PIM is the correct choice requires analyzing each of the four options in detail.

A) Azure AD Privileged Identity Management (PIM)
This is the correct answer. PIM enables organizations to implement the principle of least privilege by providing just-in-time access to users who require elevated permissions. Instead of granting permanent administrative privileges, PIM allows users to request temporary access, which is automatically revoked after a predefined period. It supports approval workflows, multi-factor authentication (MFA) for activation, and just-in-time access policies. PIM also provides detailed activity logs, alerts, and access reviews, ensuring accountability and traceability for all privileged actions. By using PIM, organizations can significantly reduce the attack surface associated with high-privilege accounts, enforce compliance with regulatory requirements, and protect sensitive data and critical systems from unauthorized access.

B) Azure Firewall
Azure Firewall is a stateful cloud-native firewall service that provides centralized network traffic filtering, threat intelligence, and logging for Azure resources. While Azure Firewall is essential for securing inbound and outbound traffic and protecting workloads from network-based attacks, it does not manage privileged identities or enforce just-in-time administrative access. Firewalls focus on controlling network access rather than ensuring secure management of user permissions, making Azure Firewall unsuitable as a solution for privileged identity management.

C) Microsoft Information Protection
Microsoft Information Protection (MIP) focuses on data classification, labeling, and protection. MIP enables organizations to safeguard sensitive information by applying encryption, access restrictions, and monitoring across documents and emails. While MIP plays a crucial role in protecting data and enforcing compliance, it does not manage administrative privileges, grant temporary access, or monitor high-privilege account activity. Therefore, it does not address the risk associated with excessive or unmanaged administrative permissions, which is the primary focus of PIM.

D) Microsoft Cloud App Security
Microsoft Cloud App Security (MCAS) is a cloud access security broker (CASB) that provides visibility, threat detection, and governance for cloud applications. It monitors user activity, enforces policies, and helps prevent data exfiltration or risky behavior in SaaS applications. Although MCAS enhances cloud security and user monitoring, it does not provide direct management of privileged identities, just-in-time access, or approval workflows for high-privilege accounts. It focuses on securing cloud application usage rather than controlling privileged access to systems and administrative roles.

In conclusion, Azure AD Privileged Identity Management (PIM) is the correct choice because it specifically addresses the risks associated with high-privilege accounts. By providing just-in-time access, approval workflows, multi-factor authentication, and detailed logging, PIM reduces the likelihood of insider threats, credential compromise, and misuse of administrative privileges. In contrast, Azure Firewall focuses on network traffic filtering, Microsoft Information Protection safeguards sensitive data, and Microsoft Cloud App Security monitors cloud applications. While these solutions contribute to an organization’s overall security posture, none of them directly manage privileged accounts or enforce temporary, controlled access to critical resources in the way that Azure AD PIM does.

By integrating PIM into an organization’s identity and access management strategy, security teams can enforce the principle of least privilege, maintain accountability, and mitigate risks associated with administrative permissions, ensuring a robust and compliant security environment for both cloud and on-premises systems. This makes option A the most appropriate choice for managing and protecting privileged identities.

Question 23

Your organization is concerned about sensitive data being accidentally shared outside the company. Which Microsoft solution allows classification, labeling, and protection of documents and emails based on sensitivity?

A) Microsoft Information Protection

B) Azure Key Vault

C) Azure Firewall

D) Microsoft Sentinel

Answer: A) Microsoft Information Protection

Explanation: 

Microsoft Information Protection classifies data using sensitivity labels and can automatically apply encryption or restrict sharing. This ensures sensitive information remains protected in emails, documents, and cloud storage.

Microsoft Information Protection (MIP) is a comprehensive suite of tools designed to help organizations classify, label, and protect sensitive information across their digital ecosystem. The correct answer is option A: Microsoft Information Protection. MIP provides organizations with the ability to identify critical data, apply protection policies, and prevent unauthorized access or accidental disclosure, ensuring both security and regulatory compliance. Understanding why this is the correct choice requires examining each of the four options in detail.

A) Microsoft Information Protection
This is the correct answer. Microsoft Information Protection enables organizations to classify and label documents, emails, and other data based on sensitivity and regulatory requirements. Labels can trigger automatic actions such as encryption, access restrictions, and content marking, ensuring that sensitive information is protected both at rest and in transit. MIP integrates across Microsoft 365 applications, cloud services, and on-premises systems, offering consistent information protection policies regardless of where data resides. In addition to protection, MIP provides visibility into data usage, allowing organizations to monitor access, detect unauthorized sharing, and respond to potential leaks. By classifying and protecting information systematically, MIP ensures that sensitive data is only accessible to authorized users and is handled in compliance with regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and other industry standards. This approach reduces the risk of data breaches, supports compliance reporting, and fosters secure collaboration across the organization.

B) Azure Key Vault
Azure Key Vault is a cloud service designed to securely store and manage cryptographic keys, secrets, and certificates. While Key Vault is critical for protecting sensitive cryptographic material and supporting encryption for applications and data, it is not designed to classify or label information, nor does it enforce data protection policies based on sensitivity. Key Vault secures the underlying keys and secrets but does not manage content-level protection for documents, emails, or files. Therefore, it cannot fulfill the same information protection role that MIP provides.

C) Azure Firewall
Azure Firewall is a cloud-native network security service that controls inbound and outbound traffic for Azure resources. It provides features such as application-level filtering, threat intelligence-based filtering, and logging. While Azure Firewall protects the network perimeter and helps prevent unauthorized access, it does not provide content-level classification, labeling, or protection for sensitive data. Firewalls secure the flow of data across networks but cannot enforce policies that protect information within documents or emails, which is the core function of Microsoft Information Protection.

D) Microsoft Sentinel
Microsoft Sentinel is a cloud-native Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) and Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) platform. Sentinel collects security logs and telemetry, correlates events, and provides advanced analytics to detect and respond to threats across an organization’s environment. While Sentinel is invaluable for threat detection, incident investigation, and automated response, it does not classify or protect content, nor does it enforce sensitivity-based information policies. Sentinel focuses on security monitoring rather than data protection at the content level.

In conclusion, Microsoft Information Protection is the correct choice because it provides comprehensive capabilities for classifying, labeling, and protecting sensitive data across an organization. Azure Key Vault secures cryptographic keys and secrets, Azure Firewall enforces network-level security, and Microsoft Sentinel provides threat detection and response capabilities. None of these alternatives directly protects data at the content level or manages policies based on sensitivity.

By implementing MIP, organizations can ensure that sensitive information is properly classified, automatically protected, and only accessible to authorized users, reducing the risk of accidental or malicious data exposure. It also supports regulatory compliance by allowing organizations to demonstrate that data protection policies are consistently applied. MIP integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365 applications and other enterprise systems, providing end-to-end protection for data at rest, in use, and in transit, making it the most appropriate solution for safeguarding sensitive information.

Question 24

You need to detect unusual lateral movement in your on-premises network and correlate it with Azure AD activity to identify potential compromised accounts. Which solution provides this capability?

A) Microsoft Defender for Identity
B) Azure Firewall
C) Microsoft Purview
D) Azure Key Vault

Answer: A) Microsoft Defender for Identity

Explanation: 

Defender for Identity monitors user and entity behavior across on-premises AD and Azure AD, detecting anomalies like lateral movement, privilege escalation, and suspicious sign-ins.

Microsoft Defender for Identity is a cloud-based security solution designed to protect on-premises Active Directory and hybrid identity environments from advanced cyber threats. The correct answer is option A: Microsoft Defender for Identity. This platform enables organizations to detect, investigate, and respond to identity-related threats such as compromised credentials, insider threats, and lateral movement attacks. Understanding why Defender for Identity is the correct choice requires examining each of the four options in detail.

A) Microsoft Defender for Identity
This is the correct answer. Microsoft Defender for Identity uses sensors and monitoring to analyze user behavior, authentication activities, and network traffic associated with domain controllers. It applies advanced analytics to detect suspicious activities, including brute-force attacks, password spray attacks, and unusual logon patterns. Additionally, it identifies lateral movement attempts where attackers use compromised accounts to access critical systems and sensitive information. Defender for Identity provides actionable alerts, security reports, and risk scoring, enabling security teams to respond quickly to threats and prevent potential breaches. By monitoring identity activity in real time, it strengthens an organization’s overall security posture, helps enforce zero-trust principles, and protects the most sensitive and critical resource—user credentials.

B) Azure Firewall
Azure Firewall is a cloud-native, stateful network security service that protects Azure resources by controlling inbound and outbound traffic. It provides filtering based on IP addresses, ports, and protocols, along with advanced features like threat intelligence-based filtering and logging. While Azure Firewall is essential for network security, it does not monitor identity activities, detect compromised accounts, or prevent lateral movement within Active Directory. Its focus is network-level protection rather than identity security, making it insufficient for addressing identity-related threats.

C) Microsoft Purview
Microsoft Purview is a data governance and compliance solution that enables organizations to discover, classify, and manage sensitive data across on-premises, cloud, and SaaS environments. While Purview is invaluable for data classification, compliance reporting, and information protection, it does not monitor user behavior, detect abnormal authentication events, or respond to identity-based attacks. Its primary purpose is governance and data lifecycle management rather than detecting security threats to user identities.

D) Azure Key Vault
Azure Key Vault is a cloud service designed to securely store and manage cryptographic keys, secrets, and certificates. Key Vault protects sensitive information, such as encryption keys and passwords, and integrates with applications for secure key management. While it enhances security by safeguarding critical secrets, Key Vault does not monitor user behavior, analyze authentication patterns, or detect identity-related threats. Its focus is key management rather than protecting identities or Active Directory environments.

In conclusion, Microsoft Defender for Identity is the correct choice because it directly addresses the protection of identities, which are often the primary target of attackers. By monitoring user activities, analyzing authentication events, and detecting suspicious behavior in real time, Defender for Identity helps organizations prevent breaches, stop lateral movement, and mitigate insider threats. In contrast, Azure Firewall focuses on network traffic control, Microsoft Purview provides data governance and compliance, and Azure Key Vault secures cryptographic keys and secrets. None of these alternatives offers the advanced identity threat detection and response capabilities provided by Microsoft Defender for Identity.

Implementing Defender for Identity allows organizations to secure hybrid and on-premises Active Directory environments, enforce least-privilege access, and respond proactively to suspicious activities. It is a key component of a zero-trust security strategy, ensuring that user identities and credentials—the gateway to critical systems and sensitive data—remain protected against modern cyber threats. This makes option A the most appropriate solution for identity security in enterprise environments.

 

Question 25

A company wants to ensure that all critical Azure resources comply with corporate security standards. Which tool allows continuous assessment and enforcement of security configurations?

A) Microsoft Defender for Cloud
B) Azure Sentinel
C) Microsoft Intune
D) Azure Key Vault

Answer: A) Microsoft Defender for Cloud

Explanation: 

Defender for Cloud continuously assesses security configurations, provides recommendations, and can enforce policies across subscriptions, helping maintain compliance with corporate standards. Microsoft Defender for Cloud, formerly known as Azure Security Center, is a comprehensive cloud security posture management (CSPM) and cloud workload protection platform (CWPP) designed to help organizations secure their Azure, hybrid, and multi-cloud environments. The correct answer is option A: Microsoft Defender for Cloud. This platform provides visibility into security configurations, threat detection, vulnerability assessment, and compliance management, enabling organizations to reduce risk and strengthen their overall security posture. Understanding why Defender for Cloud is the correct choice requires examining each of the four options in detail.

A) Microsoft Defender for Cloud
This is the correct answer. Microsoft Defender for Cloud continuously monitors cloud resources, detects security misconfigurations, and provides actionable recommendations to enhance security. It also offers integrated threat protection for workloads running in Azure, on-premises, and in other cloud environments. Defender for Cloud can detect unusual activities, potential attacks, and vulnerabilities across virtual machines, containers, databases, and applications. The platform provides compliance assessments and helps organizations align with standards such as CIS, ISO 27001, and GDPR. By offering unified visibility, risk assessment, and security recommendations, Defender for Cloud allows security teams to proactively address vulnerabilities, mitigate threats, and enforce best practices for cloud security.

B) Azure Sentinel
Azure Sentinel is a cloud-native Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) and Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) solution. It collects and analyzes logs and telemetry from various sources to detect, investigate, and respond to security threats. While Sentinel is essential for threat detection, alert correlation, and incident response, it is primarily a monitoring and response platform rather than a tool for continuous security posture management or vulnerability assessment. Sentinel complements Defender for Cloud by analyzing security events, but it does not provide the CSPM and workload protection functionalities that are central to Defender for Cloud.

C) Microsoft Intune
Microsoft Intune, part of Microsoft Endpoint Manager, is a cloud-based service for managing devices and applications. Intune enables organizations to enforce compliance policies, deploy software, and secure endpoints. While Intune is critical for managing and securing devices, it does not monitor or protect cloud workloads, assess resource configurations, or detect threats across Azure or hybrid environments. Intune focuses on endpoint management rather than cloud security posture and workload protection, making it insufficient for the broader role fulfilled by Microsoft Defender for Cloud.

D) Azure Key Vault
Azure Key Vault is a cloud service designed to securely store and manage cryptographic keys, secrets, and certificates. Key Vault ensures sensitive information, such as encryption keys and passwords, is protected and accessible only to authorized users or applications. While Key Vault is crucial for encryption and secret management, it does not provide monitoring, threat detection, vulnerability assessment, or compliance management. Its scope is limited to safeguarding cryptographic assets, rather than providing full cloud workload protection and security posture management.

In conclusion, Microsoft Defender for Cloud is the correct choice because it provides a comprehensive solution for monitoring and protecting cloud workloads, assessing security posture, detecting threats, and ensuring compliance. Azure Sentinel focuses on log analysis and incident response, Microsoft Intune manages endpoints and compliance, and Azure Key Vault secures cryptographic keys and secrets. While each of these solutions is valuable within a broader security framework, none provides the holistic cloud security posture management and workload protection capabilities offered by Defender for Cloud.

By implementing Microsoft Defender for Cloud, organizations can gain continuous visibility into their cloud environment, proactively remediate vulnerabilities, monitor for suspicious activities, and enforce security best practices. This ensures that cloud resources, applications, and workloads are protected against evolving threats, regulatory non-compliance, and misconfigurations, making Defender for Cloud the most appropriate solution for comprehensive cloud security management.

Question 26

Your organization wants to monitor cloud applications used by employees and detect high-risk usage patterns. Which solution provides visibility, risk scoring, and conditional access integration?

A) Microsoft Cloud App Security (MCAS)
B) Microsoft Endpoint Manager
C) Azure Firewall
D) Azure Key Vault

Answer: A) Microsoft Cloud App Security (MCAS)

Explanation: 

MCAS provides discovery of cloud applications, assigns risk scores based on behavior, and integrates with Azure AD Conditional Access to enforce policies. It helps mitigate shadow IT risks and secure cloud usage. Microsoft Cloud App Security (MCAS) is a cloud access security broker (CASB) solution that provides comprehensive visibility, control, and protection over cloud applications and services. The correct answer is option A: Microsoft Cloud App Security (MCAS). MCAS helps organizations monitor user activity, enforce security policies, and detect and mitigate risks associated with cloud application usage, including shadow IT, data exfiltration, and compliance violations. Understanding why MCAS is the correct choice requires analyzing each of the four options in detail.

A) Microsoft Cloud App Security (MCAS)
This is the correct answer. MCAS provides organizations with granular control over how cloud applications are accessed and used. It enables IT and security teams to discover all cloud applications being used within the organization, even those not officially sanctioned, often referred to as shadow IT. By monitoring user behavior, MCAS detects unusual activities, such as excessive downloads, suspicious logins from unusual locations, or anomalous file sharing. MCAS also allows administrators to enforce conditional access policies, integrate with Microsoft Information Protection for data labeling and encryption, and implement real-time session controls to prevent risky behavior. This combination of discovery, monitoring, and control ensures that sensitive organizational data remains protected while employees maintain the flexibility to use cloud services productively. Additionally, MCAS provides detailed reports and alerts, supporting regulatory compliance and audit readiness, making it an essential tool for managing cloud security.

B) Microsoft Endpoint Manager
Microsoft Endpoint Manager (MEM), which includes Intune and Configuration Manager, is focused on managing and securing endpoints, including desktops, laptops, and mobile devices. MEM allows organizations to enforce device compliance, deploy applications, and manage updates. While Endpoint Manager is crucial for endpoint security and policy enforcement, it does not provide visibility or control over cloud applications, monitor user activity within cloud services, or detect shadow IT usage. Its primary focus is device management rather than cloud application security, making it insufficient for the purposes addressed by MCAS.

C) Azure Firewall
Azure Firewall is a stateful, cloud-native firewall service that protects Azure resources by controlling inbound and outbound network traffic. It provides filtering based on IP addresses, ports, and protocols, along with logging and threat intelligence integration. While Azure Firewall is important for network-level security and protecting workloads from external threats, it does not provide visibility into cloud application usage, monitor user activities, or enforce policies based on cloud application behavior. Its scope is limited to network protection rather than cloud application control.

D) Azure Key Vault
Azure Key Vault is a cloud service designed to securely store and manage cryptographic keys, secrets, and certificates. It ensures that sensitive information such as passwords, encryption keys, and connection strings is protected and accessible only to authorized applications or users. While Key Vault is critical for data security and encryption management, it does not provide monitoring or control over cloud application usage, detect risky behaviors, or enforce compliance policies in cloud services. Its functionality is limited to secure key and secret management.

In conclusion, Microsoft Cloud App Security is the correct choice because it addresses the unique challenges of securing cloud applications by providing discovery, monitoring, risk detection, and policy enforcement. Endpoint Manager manages endpoints but does not monitor cloud apps, Azure Firewall protects network traffic but not cloud applications, and Azure Key Vault secures keys and secrets but does not manage cloud access. MCAS bridges this gap by enabling organizations to gain visibility into cloud usage, prevent data leaks, enforce compliance, and control user actions across SaaS applications.

By leveraging MCAS, organizations can reduce the risks associated with cloud adoption, maintain compliance with regulations, detect and mitigate insider threats, and ensure secure collaboration. Its capabilities for discovering shadow IT, monitoring user activity, enforcing conditional access, and integrating with other Microsoft security tools make it a cornerstone of modern cloud security strategy. This makes option A the most effective solution for managing and securing cloud applications.

Question 27

You are designing a Zero Trust strategy. The organization wants to ensure that devices are continuously assessed for compliance before granting access to resources. Which combination of tools is essential?

A) Microsoft Intune + Azure AD Conditional Access

B) Azure Key Vault + Microsoft Sentinel
C) Microsoft Purview + Azure Firewall
D) Microsoft Defender for Identity + Microsoft Teams

Answer: A) Microsoft Intune + Azure AD Conditional Access

Explanation: 

Intune enforces device compliance policies, while Conditional Access ensures access is granted only to compliant devices. Continuous evaluation of device health is a core principle of Zero Trust.

Question 28

Your organization needs automated alert investigation and response to security incidents across Microsoft 365 and Azure. Which solution provides orchestration, playbooks, and automated incident response?

A) Microsoft Sentinel
B) Azure Policy
C) Microsoft Intune
D) Azure Key Vault

Answer: A) Microsoft Sentinel

Explanation: 

Sentinel’s automation capabilities allow the creation of playbooks for automatic investigation and response to alerts, reducing response time and improving efficiency in security operations.

Question 29

A company is concerned about ransomware attacks encrypting data in cloud storage. Which Microsoft solution provides file-level encryption and alerts on suspicious file activity?

A) Microsoft Defender for Cloud + Microsoft Information Protection
B) Azure Firewall
C) Azure Key Vault
D) Microsoft Sentinel

Answer: A) Microsoft Defender for Cloud + Microsoft Information Protection

Explanation: 

Defender for Cloud provides monitoring and alerts for suspicious activity, while Information Protection ensures encryption and access controls on sensitive files. Together, they reduce the risk and impact of ransomware attacks. Microsoft Defender for Cloud, combined with Microsoft Information Protection (MIP), provides a comprehensive approach to securing both cloud workloads and sensitive organizational data. The correct answer is option A: Microsoft Defender for Cloud + Microsoft Information Protection. Together, these solutions enable organizations to monitor security posture, detect threats, enforce compliance, and protect sensitive information across their digital environment. Understanding why this combination is the correct choice requires analyzing each of the four options in detail.

A) Microsoft Defender for Cloud + Microsoft Information Protection
This is the correct answer. Microsoft Defender for Cloud is a cloud security posture management (CSPM) and cloud workload protection platform (CWPP) that continuously monitors cloud resources for security misconfigurations, vulnerabilities, and threats. It provides recommendations for improving security posture, threat detection capabilities, and automated response mechanisms to protect cloud workloads in Azure and hybrid environments. On the other hand, Microsoft Information Protection focuses on protecting sensitive information through classification, labeling, and enforcement of data protection policies. By combining these two solutions, organizations achieve end-to-end security: Defender for Cloud secures infrastructure and workloads, while MIP safeguards the actual data and ensures compliance with regulatory standards such as GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO 27001. This integration allows organizations to not only detect threats and vulnerabilities but also prevent unauthorized access, data leaks, and accidental exposure of sensitive content. Alerts from Defender for Cloud can be correlated with information protection policies from MIP, providing a unified view of risk across both workloads and data.

B) Azure Firewall
Azure Firewall is a cloud-native, stateful firewall that provides network-level protection by filtering inbound and outbound traffic based on IP addresses, ports, protocols, and application rules. While Azure Firewall is essential for controlling network access and preventing external threats, it does not provide content-level protection for sensitive information or monitor compliance with data protection policies. It focuses solely on network security and does not address the broader aspects of cloud workload security or information protection, which makes it insufficient as a standalone solution for comprehensive organizational security.

C) Azure Key Vault
Azure Key Vault is a service designed to securely store and manage cryptographic keys, secrets, and certificates. While Key Vault is critical for protecting sensitive cryptographic material and supporting encryption of applications and data, it does not monitor security configurations, detect threats, or classify and protect content. Its scope is limited to managing encryption and secrets rather than providing full visibility and protection for workloads and sensitive information, which are essential for holistic security management.

D) Microsoft Sentinel
Microsoft Sentinel is a cloud-native Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) and Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) solution. Sentinel collects security logs, applies analytics and machine learning to detect threats, and automates responses to incidents. While Sentinel is highly effective for detecting and responding to security events, it does not directly provide data classification, labeling, or proactive data protection. It primarily focuses on incident detection and response rather than preventing sensitive data exposure or ensuring workload security proactively.

In conclusion, Microsoft Defender for Cloud combined with Microsoft Information Protection is the correct choice because it provides end-to-end security for both cloud workloads and sensitive information. Defender for Cloud protects infrastructure and applications by monitoring security posture, detecting threats, and providing remediation recommendations, while MIP safeguards sensitive content by enforcing classification, labeling, and protection policies. Azure Firewall focuses on network security, Azure Key Vault manages cryptographic material, and Microsoft Sentinel provides threat detection and incident response. While these solutions are valuable individually, only the combination of Defender for Cloud and MIP delivers comprehensive workload and data protection across an organization’s digital ecosystem.

By implementing these integrated solutions, organizations can proactively reduce risk, prevent data breaches, maintain regulatory compliance, and ensure a secure environment for cloud workloads and sensitive information. This makes option A the most effective solution for modern enterprise security management.

Question 30

Your organization wants to secure API keys, certificates, and secrets used by applications in Azure. Which service should be used for centralized secure storage and automated rotation?

A) Azure Key Vault
B) Microsoft Intune
C) Azure Firewall
D) Microsoft Purview

Answer: A) Azure Key Vault

Explanation: 

Azure Key Vault securely stores secrets and certificates, supports automated rotation, and ensures that applications access credentials securely without hardcoding them. Azure Key Vault is a cloud-based service designed to securely store and manage cryptographic keys, secrets, and certificates. The correct answer is option A: Azure Key Vault. This service allows organizations to safeguard sensitive information such as passwords, API keys, connection strings, and encryption keys, ensuring that only authorized users or applications can access them. Key Vault integrates with Azure services, applications, and on-premises environments, providing centralized management of secrets and enabling secure cryptographic operations like encryption, decryption, and key signing. By using Azure Key Vault, organizations can reduce the risk of data breaches, ensure compliance with security standards, and simplify secret management in cloud environments.

B) Microsoft Intune
Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based endpoint management solution that allows organizations to manage devices, enforce compliance policies, deploy applications, and monitor device health. While Intune is critical for device security and management, it does not provide secure storage or management of cryptographic keys, secrets, or certificates. Its focus is on endpoint compliance rather than protecting sensitive data directly.

C) Azure Firewall
Azure Firewall is a stateful, cloud-native firewall service that controls inbound and outbound traffic for Azure resources based on rules. Although it enhances network security and prevents unauthorized access, it does not manage or protect sensitive cryptographic keys or secrets. Azure Firewall focuses on network-level protection rather than content or key security.

D) Microsoft Purview
Microsoft Purview is a data governance and compliance platform that helps organizations discover, classify, and manage data across on-premises and cloud environments. While Purview provides insight into sensitive data and regulatory compliance, it does not offer secure key management or cryptographic operations. Its primary function is data governance rather than key protection.

In conclusion, Azure Key Vault is the correct choice because it directly addresses the need for secure management of cryptographic keys, secrets, and certificates. It provides centralized, secure storage, access control, and auditing, which are critical for protecting sensitive information in cloud applications and services. The other options, while valuable for security and compliance, do not provide the same level of key and secret management that Azure Key Vault delivers.

Question 31

Your company wants to implement adaptive access control that evaluates login risk, location, and device compliance before granting access to sensitive applications. Which feature provides this capability?

A) Azure AD Conditional Access + Identity Protection
B) Azure Firewall
C) Microsoft Sentinel
D) Microsoft Intune

Answer: A) Azure AD Conditional Access + Identity Protection

Explanation: 

Conditional Access enforces policies for app access, and Identity Protection evaluates sign-in risk. Together, they provide adaptive, risk-based access controls that enhance security for sensitive applications.

Question 32

A company is planning to enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all users, but wants it applied dynamically based on risk level. Which Microsoft feature enables this?

A) Azure AD Identity Protection
B) Microsoft Purview
C) Azure Key Vault
D) Microsoft Sentinel

Answer: A) Azure AD Identity Protection

Explanation:

Identity Protection assesses the risk of sign-ins and user accounts. Policies can require MFA dynamically for high-risk situations, supporting a layered security approach.

Question 33

Your organization wants to classify and protect sensitive information in Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive. Which Microsoft solution enables sensitivity labels and encryption across these workloads?

A) Microsoft Information Protection
B) Azure Firewall
C) Microsoft Sentinel
D) Microsoft Endpoint Manager

Answer: A) Microsoft Information Protection

Explanation: 

Information Protection applies sensitivity labels to classify and encrypt content across Microsoft 365 workloads, ensuring consistent data protection policies across collaboration platforms.

Question 34

You are designing a hybrid cloud architecture and want to enforce network segmentation to reduce lateral movement. Which combination of solutions provides this capability?

A) Azure Firewall + Network Security Groups (NSGs)
B) Microsoft Endpoint Manager + Azure AD
C) Azure Key Vault + Microsoft Purview
D) Microsoft Sentinel + Azure Monitor

Answer: A) Azure Firewall + Network Security Groups (NSGs)

Explanation: 

NSGs define rules at subnet/VM levels, while Azure Firewall enforces centralized network policies. This combination allows micro-segmentation and reduces lateral movement within hybrid environments.

Question 35

Your company wants to ensure that compromised accounts are automatically remediated and blocked before accessing sensitive applications. Which Microsoft solution supports this?

A) Azure AD Identity Protection
B) Microsoft Purview
C) Azure Firewall
D) Microsoft Sentinel

Answer: A) Azure AD Identity Protection

Explanation: 

Identity Protection detects compromised accounts using risk analytics and can block access or require MFA, ensuring that high-risk accounts are remediated automatically.

Question 36

A company wants to track data usage, sharing, and policy violations across Microsoft 365. Which solution provides governance and reporting for compliance?

A) Microsoft Purview
B) Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
C) Azure Key Vault
D) Azure Firewall

Answer: A) Microsoft Purview

Explanation: 

Purview provides data governance, monitoring, and auditing capabilities for Microsoft 365. It ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and internal data policies.

Question 37

Your organization wants to implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) that can automatically contain malware and remediate threats. Which solution provides these capabilities?

A) Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
B) Microsoft Intune
C) Azure Firewall
D) Microsoft Purview

Answer: A) Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Explanation: 

Defender for Endpoint detects, investigates, and automatically responds to endpoint threats. It can isolate infected devices, remove malware, and initiate remediation, providing full EDR capabilities.

Question 38

A company wants to implement continuous monitoring of cloud workloads for misconfigurations, vulnerabilities, and threats. Which solution is most suitable?

A) Microsoft Defender for Cloud
B) Azure Key Vault
C) Microsoft Intune
D) Azure AD Conditional Access

Answer: A) Microsoft Defender for Cloud

Explanation: 

Defender for Cloud continuously monitors cloud resources, evaluates configurations, identifies vulnerabilities, and provides remediation guidance, ensuring secure operations in cloud environments.

Question 39

Your organization wants to manage identities and enforce least privilege across hybrid environments, including temporary elevated access for administrators. Which solution combination is most appropriate?

A) Azure AD + Privileged Identity Management (PIM)
B) Azure Firewall + NSGs
C) Microsoft Intune + Conditional Access
D) Microsoft Purview + Defender for Identity

Answer: A) Azure AD + Privileged Identity Management (PIM)

Explanation: 

Azure AD manages identities, and PIM provides just-in-time access for administrative roles. This ensures least privilege, reduces the attack surface, and supports Zero Trust principles.

Question 40

A company wants to protect sensitive data in emails, documents, and collaboration platforms with encryption and access restrictions. Which solution provides labeling, protection, and automatic enforcement?

A) Microsoft Information Protection
B) Azure Firewall
C) Microsoft Sentinel
D) Azure Key Vault

Answer: A) Microsoft Information Protection

Explanation:

Information Protection applies sensitivity labels, enforces encryption, and restricts access based on policy. It automatically protects sensitive content across Microsoft 365 workloads.