The answer is configuring Windows Defender Firewall rules and enforcing Windows Defender Antivirus settings. These two actions are correct because Microsoft Intune, as a cloud-based endpoint management solution, directly integrates with Windows’ built-in security stack through Configuration Service Providers (CSPs), allowing administrators to push antivirus policies and firewall rules to managed devices without relying on third-party tools. On the MD-102 exam, this question tests your understanding of Intune’s native security capabilities versus features it does not control, such as third-party antivirus, email filtering, or network segmentation—common distractors that lead candidates astray. A frequent trap is assuming Intune can manage any security function, but remember that Intune focuses on device configuration and compliance for Microsoft’s own security products. To protect devices from malware using Intune, always look for options tied to Windows Defender or the Windows Firewall, as these are the core components Intune can enforce. Memory tip: “Defender and Firewall—Intune’s native arsenal.”
MD-102 Protect devices Practice Question
This MD-102 practice question tests your understanding of protect devices. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which TWO actions can you perform using Microsoft Intune to protect devices from malware?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enforce Windows Defender Antivirus real-time protection
Options A and C are correct. Intune can enforce Windows Defender Antivirus settings and manage Windows Defender Firewall. Option B is wrong because Intune does not directly manage third-party AV. Option D is wrong because Intune does not manage email filtering. Option E is wrong because Intune does not manage network segmentation.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Create network segmentation rules
Why it's wrong here
Network segmentation is done by network infrastructure, not Intune.
✗
Enable email attachment scanning
Why it's wrong here
Email scanning is done by Exchange Online Protection, not Intune.
✗
Deploy third-party antivirus software
Why it's wrong here
Intune can deploy apps but not manage third-party AV settings.
✓
Enforce Windows Defender Antivirus real-time protection
Why this is correct
Intune can configure antivirus settings.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A healthcare organisation deploys an application with a public-facing web tier and a private database tier. The database subnet has no public IP and only accepts connections from the web tier's security group. Questions like this test whether you can design cloud network isolation using VNets/VPCs, subnets, and security group rules.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this MD-102 question in full detail.
Identify which MD-102 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Protect devices — This question tests Protect devices — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enforce Windows Defender Antivirus real-time protection — Options A and C are correct. Intune can enforce Windows Defender Antivirus settings and manage Windows Defender Firewall. Option B is wrong because Intune does not directly manage third-party AV. Option D is wrong because Intune does not manage email filtering. Option E is wrong because Intune does not manage network segmentation.
What should I do if I get this MD-102 question wrong?
Identify which MD-102 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This MD-102 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the MD-102 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.