Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies (AZ-300) Practice Exam

What is a potential result of configuring security rules improperly on a virtual machine?

1. Enhanced performance

2. Increased flexibility in user roles

3. Disruption of communication with other resources

4. Auto-scaling of the VM

The correct answer is: Disruption of communication with other resources

Configuring security rules improperly on a virtual machine can lead to disruption of communication with other resources. Security rules, often implemented through Network Security Groups (NSGs) in Azure, dictate how traffic is allowed or denied to and from resources. If these rules are overly restrictive, they may prevent legitimate traffic from reaching the virtual machine or from the virtual machine reaching other Azure resources or external endpoints. This could result in application downtime, failure to connect to databases, and an inability to communicate with other services, ultimately affecting the overall functionality and availability of the applications running on that virtual machine. While enhanced performance, increased flexibility in user roles, and auto-scaling are potential benefits or features associated with virtual machines, they do not relate directly to the effects of misconfigured security rules. Improperly set security configurations will more likely compromise communication rather than improve performance or scalability.