Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) Practice Exam

Which statement best describes regulatory compliance responsibilities in an Azure cloud-based deployment?

1. Compliance is the sole responsibility of Microsoft

2. Compliance is the responsibility of applicable third-party auditors

3. Compliance is a shared responsibility of Microsoft and the subscriber

4. Compliance is the sole responsibility of the subscriber

The correct answer is: Compliance is a shared responsibility of Microsoft and the subscriber

The notion of shared responsibility is a key concept in cloud computing, particularly when it comes to regulatory compliance in an Azure environment. In a cloud deployment, Microsoft manages compliance for the infrastructure and services they provide, ensuring that their cloud offerings meet various governmental, industry, and certification standards. This includes security measures, data protection, and overall service integrity. However, it is equally important for subscribers, or customers using Azure, to take responsibility for compliance concerning their own applications, data, and usage of the cloud services. This means that while Microsoft maintains the compliance of the underlying infrastructure, the subscriber must ensure that their data governance, risk management, and compliance policies align with applicable laws and regulations. This shared responsibility model allows for effective compliance management, where both parties play a crucial role in maintaining security and compliance within the cloud. The other options do not accurately represent this collaborative approach to compliance. While Microsoft bears significant responsibility for the infrastructure, subscribers must also manage their own compliance obligations, making the shared responsibility model the most accurate representation of regulatory compliance responsibilities in Azure.