Quick Answer
The correct answer is DeviceId, ProcessId, and SHA256. These three columns are essential for correlating activities across devices in Advanced Hunting because DeviceId uniquely identifies each machine, ProcessId ties the activity to a specific running process, and SHA256 provides a cryptographic fingerprint of the file involved—together, they create a reliable chain linking the same suspicious PowerShell command across different endpoints. On the MS-102 exam, this tests your ability to distinguish between unique identifiers and variable attributes; a common trap is choosing AccountUpn (which can change when a user moves devices) or Timestamp (which is not unique and only orders events). Remember the memory tip: “DPS” for Device, Process, and SHA—the three pillars of cross-device correlation.
This MS-102 practice question tests your understanding of manage security and threats by using microsoft defender xdr. 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.
A security team is investigating a potential ransomware outbreak using Microsoft Defender XDR. They have identified a suspicious PowerShell command that was executed on several devices. The team wants to use Advanced Hunting to find all other activities associated with the same command. Which three columns should they include in their KQL query to effectively correlate the activities? (Choose three.)
SHA256
SHA256 identifies the file.
ProcessId
ProcessId identifies the process.
AccountUpn
Why wrong: AccountUpn is not unique across all activities.
Timestamp
Why wrong: Timestamp is not unique.
DeviceId
DeviceId uniquely identifies the device.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
SHA256
Options A, D, and E are correct. DeviceId uniquely identifies the device. ProcessId identifies the process. SHA256 identifies the file. These three columns can be used to correlate activities across devices and processes. Option B is wrong because AccountUpn may change. Option C is wrong because Timestamp is not unique.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
SHA256
Why this is correct
SHA256 identifies the file.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
ProcessId
Why this is correct
ProcessId identifies the process.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
AccountUpn
Why it's wrong here
AccountUpn is not unique across all activities.
Timestamp
Why it's wrong here
Timestamp is not unique.
DeviceId
Why this is correct
DeviceId uniquely identifies the device.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
What to study next
Identify which MS-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.
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FAQ
Manage security and threats by using Microsoft Defender XDR — This question tests Manage security and threats by using Microsoft Defender XDR — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: SHA256 — Options A, D, and E are correct. DeviceId uniquely identifies the device. ProcessId identifies the process. SHA256 identifies the file. These three columns can be used to correlate activities across devices and processes. Option B is wrong because AccountUpn may change. Option C is wrong because Timestamp is not unique.
Identify which MS-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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
This MS-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 MS-102 exam.
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