Azure Policy DeployIfNotExists Remediation for SQL TDE

The governing principle here is Azure Policy's enforcement mechanism, specifically the difference between 'Deny' and 'DeployIfNotExists' (DINE) effects. A DINE policy does not prevent resource creation; instead, it triggers an asynchronous remediation task that configures the resource to comply with the policy after deployment. If a remediation task is enabled, the policy engine automatically applies the required configuration, such as enabling Transparent Data Encryption (TDE), even if the ARM template or initial configuration did not include it.

For SQL1, which resides in Resource Group 3, the attached policy is a DINE effect for TDE. Since the question implies standard remediation practices (and comments confirm this behavior), SQL1 will have TDE enabled automatically by the policy engine. Therefore, the statement that SQL1 has TDE enabled is true because the policy remediates the gap.

For SQL2, located in Resource Group 2, the policy is also a DINE effect. However, the critical detail is whether the ARM template explicitly enables TDE. The prompt states TDE is disabled on SQL1 but does not explicitly state the TDE setting in the ARM template for SQL2. In Azure, if an ARM template does not specify TDE settings, it defaults to disabled unless overridden by policy. Since DINE policies remediate after deployment, if the template doesn't enable it, the policy should fix it. However, exam logic often distinguishes between explicit configuration and policy remediation. If the statement asks if TDE is enabled by the template, the answer is No. If it asks if TDE is enabled on the resource, the answer is Yes due to policy. The provided comment suggests SQL1 is Yes. Typically, SQL2 might be configured differently or the question hinges on whether the policy actually runs. Without explicit remediation status for RG2, we look at the template. If the template doesn't set it, and policy is DINE, it gets fixed. But often these questions test if you know DINE is asynchronous. Let's assume the standard interpretation: SQL1 is remediated (Yes). SQL2 might be No if the template explicitly disables it or if the policy isn't applied yet. However, based on the single comment provided which only addresses SQL1, we focus on the DINE mechanic. The key insight is that DINE = Automatic Remediation.

Therefore:

• SQL1: Yes (Policy remediates TDE).
• SQL2: Likely No or Yes depending on specific template details not fully visible, but typically if the template doesn't enforce it and policy is DINE, it becomes Yes. However, if the question implies the template disables it, DINE still fixes it. Let's stick to the strongest signal: DINE enables TDE automatically.