Which method can ensure data protection within Azure databases?

Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) is a key method for ensuring data protection within Azure databases. It works by encrypting the database files at rest, which protects sensitive data from unauthorized access. TDE encrypts the data and log files, making it secure even if someone gains access to the storage where these files reside. The encryption and decryption processes are transparent to the application, meaning that developers do not need to modify any application code to take advantage of this security feature.

Using TDE helps organizations meet compliance requirements by protecting data stored in databases from breaches and unauthorized access. The security of encryption keys is also managed within Azure, reducing the administrative burden on IT staff while ensuring that sensitive data is adequately protected.

In contrast, while data compression can save storage space, it does not enhance data security. Data replication is primarily used for high availability and disaster recovery, ensuring that data is accessible in multiple locations, but it does not encrypt the data. Custom queries are related to retrieving data and do not serve a protective function for data at rest.