The answer is the Attack Surface Reduction rule 'Block credential stealing from the Windows local security authority subsystem (lsass.exe)' (GUID: 9e6c4e1f-7d60-472f-ba1a-a39ef669e4b2). This ASR rule directly prevents untrusted processes from accessing LSASS memory, which is the primary technique used by tools like Mimikatz to dump credentials. By blocking attempts to open lsass.exe with rights such as PROCESS_VM_READ, the rule stops credential stealing at the kernel level without affecting legitimate system processes. On the MS-102 exam, this rule often appears in scenarios where an administrator needs to harden domain controllers or endpoints against lateral movement and credential theft. A common trap is confusing this rule with the broader 'Block LSASS credential theft from Windows' or misremembering the GUID, but the key is that it specifically targets untrusted processes—not all processes. Memory tip: think 'LSASS Lockdown'—the rule locks down lsass.exe from any process that isn't trusted, just like a bouncer checking IDs at a VIP door.
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 administrator wants to prevent attackers from stealing credentials by blocking access to the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS) from untrusted processes. Which Attack Surface Reduction (ASR) rule should the administrator enable to meet this requirement?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Block credential stealing from the Windows local security authority subsystem (lsass.exe).
The ASR rule 'Block credential stealing from the Windows local security authority subsystem (lsass.exe)' (GUID: 9e6c4e1f-7d60-472f-ba1a-a39ef669e4b2) directly prevents untrusted processes from accessing LSASS memory, which is a common technique used by attackers to dump credentials via tools like Mimikatz. This rule blocks attempts to open lsass.exe with specific access rights (e.g., PROCESS_VM_READ) from non-trusted processes, thereby protecting credential material stored in LSASS.
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.
✓
Block credential stealing from the Windows local security authority subsystem (lsass.exe).
Why this is correct
This rule blocks untrusted processes from accessing LSASS, directly preventing credential theft techniques.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Block executable files from running unless they meet a prevalence, age, or trusted list criterion.
Why it's wrong here
This rule blocks untrusted executables but does not specifically target credential theft from LSASS.
✗
Block Office applications from creating child processes.
Why it's wrong here
This rule prevents Office apps from spawning children, but does not address LSASS access.
✗
Block persistence through Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) event subscription.
Why it's wrong here
This rule blocks WMI persistence techniques, not credential theft.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse the 'Block credential stealing from LSASS' rule with other ASR rules that address different attack vectors, such as blocking executable files or Office child processes, because they all fall under the same 'Attack Surface Reduction' umbrella but target distinct behaviors.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, this ASR rule leverages Windows Defender Exploit Guard's ETW (Event Tracing for Windows) and kernel-mode callbacks to intercept process open requests to lsass.exe. It specifically blocks access requests that include PROCESS_VM_READ, PROCESS_VM_WRITE, or PROCESS_DUP_HANDLE from processes that are not trusted (e.g., not signed by Microsoft or not part of a whitelist). In a real-world scenario, even if an attacker bypasses other defenses, this rule can stop tools like Mimikatz, ProcDump, or custom scripts from reading LSASS memory, forcing attackers to use more complex techniques like extracting credentials from the registry or domain controllers.
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 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.
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: Block credential stealing from the Windows local security authority subsystem (lsass.exe). — The ASR rule 'Block credential stealing from the Windows local security authority subsystem (lsass.exe)' (GUID: 9e6c4e1f-7d60-472f-ba1a-a39ef669e4b2) directly prevents untrusted processes from accessing LSASS memory, which is a common technique used by attackers to dump credentials via tools like Mimikatz. This rule blocks attempts to open lsass.exe with specific access rights (e.g., PROCESS_VM_READ) from non-trusted processes, thereby protecting credential material stored in LSASS.
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.
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 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.
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.