The answer is the DeviceFileEvents table. This is the correct choice because it is the dedicated Advanced Hunting table in Microsoft 365 Defender that captures all file creation events, along with modifications and deletions, making it the only schema that logs the exact timestamp, file path, and signing details needed to detect when a signed malicious executable was dropped onto a device. On the MS-102 exam, this tests your ability to map a specific security scenario—like file creation during a malware outbreak—to the correct Advanced Hunting table, a common trap being confusion with DeviceProcessEvents (which logs execution, not creation). To remember, think of the "E" in DeviceFileEvents as standing for "Existence" changes: if a file appears, it belongs here.
MS-102 Practice Question: Manage security and threats by using Microsoft Defender XDR
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 analyst is using Microsoft 365 Defender Advanced Hunting to investigate a potential malware outbreak. The analyst needs to find all devices where a specific signed executable (known to be malicious) was created in the past 24 hours. Which Advanced Hunting table should be queried to detect the creation of the executable file?
This table logs file creation, modification, and other file events, including the file name and path, which is needed to find the malicious executable.
B
DeviceProcessEvents
Why wrong: This table records process creation events, not file creation events.
C
DeviceNetworkEvents
Why wrong: This table records network connection events, not file events.
D
DeviceRegistryEvents
Why wrong: This table records registry modification events, not file creation.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
DeviceFileEvents
The DeviceFileEvents table in Microsoft 365 Defender Advanced Hunting captures file creation, modification, and deletion events. Since the question specifically asks for detecting the creation of a signed executable file, this table provides the necessary data, including file name, path, and timestamp, to identify when and where the malicious executable was created.
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.
✓
DeviceFileEvents
Why this is correct
This table logs file creation, modification, and other file events, including the file name and path, which is needed to find the malicious executable.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
DeviceProcessEvents
Why it's wrong here
This table records process creation events, not file creation events.
✗
DeviceNetworkEvents
Why it's wrong here
This table records network connection events, not file events.
✗
DeviceRegistryEvents
Why it's wrong here
This table records registry modification events, not file creation.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse file creation with process execution, mistakenly selecting DeviceProcessEvents because they think of the executable running, but the question explicitly asks for the creation event, which is only captured in DeviceFileEvents.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
DeviceFileEvents uses the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint sensor to capture file system operations at the kernel level via the filter manager, ensuring that even file creations by signed executables are logged. This table includes the InitiatingProcessFileName and InitiatingProcessCommandLine fields, which can help trace which process created the malicious file, enabling a full attack chain reconstruction. In real-world scenarios, attackers often use signed but malicious executables to bypass initial defenses, making this table critical for detecting the initial payload drop.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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 MS-102 question in full detail.
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..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: DeviceFileEvents — The DeviceFileEvents table in Microsoft 365 Defender Advanced Hunting captures file creation, modification, and deletion events. Since the question specifically asks for detecting the creation of a signed executable file, this table provides the necessary data, including file name, path, and timestamp, to identify when and where the malicious executable was created.
What should I do if I get this MS-102 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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