The answer is an attack surface reduction rule in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, as this policy type is specifically designed to block execution of files with a low reputation score. Attack surface reduction rules are a set of intelligent, behavior-based controls that can target untrusted or low-reputation software by leveraging Microsoft’s cloud-delivered reputation intelligence, effectively preventing potentially malicious files from running. On the MS-102 exam, this concept tests your ability to distinguish between endpoint-focused security policies and other Microsoft 365 protection layers, such as anti-phishing policies for email or device control policies for hardware restrictions. A common trap is confusing this with cloud app security policies, but remember: if the requirement is to block file execution based on reputation at the endpoint level, you must configure an attack surface reduction rule. Memory tip: think “ASR blocks the risky runner” — Attack Surface Reduction stops low-reputation files from executing.
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. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
You are a security administrator for a Microsoft 365 E5 organization. You need to configure a policy that automatically blocks execution of files that have a low reputation score in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. Which policy type should you configure?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Attack surface reduction rule in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Option D is correct because Attack Surface Reduction rules can block execution of files with low reputation. Option A is wrong because it's for email. Option B is wrong because it's for device control. Option C is wrong because it's for cloud apps.
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.
✓
Attack surface reduction rule in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Why this is correct
ASR rules can block executables based on reputation.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Device control policy in Microsoft Intune
Why it's wrong here
Device control policies manage peripherals, not file reputation.
✗
Anti-malware policy in Exchange Online Protection
Why it's wrong here
This policy handles email malware, not endpoint file execution.
✗
Cloud App Security policy in Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps
Why it's wrong here
This applies to cloud apps, not endpoint file execution.
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 cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this MS-102 question in full detail.
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.
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: Attack surface reduction rule in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint — Option D is correct because Attack Surface Reduction rules can block execution of files with low reputation. Option A is wrong because it's for email. Option B is wrong because it's for device control. Option C is wrong because it's for cloud apps.
What should I do if I get this MS-102 question wrong?
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.
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 →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. You are a security administrator. You need to configure a Microsoft Defender for Endpoint policy that prevents users from running executables from the Temp folder. Which Attack Surface Reduction (ASR) rule should you enable?
hard
A.Block credential stealing from the Windows local security authority subsystem (lsass.exe)
B.Block Office communication application from creating child processes
C.Block process injections originating from Windows executable files
✓ D.Block executable files from running unless they meet a prevalence, age, or trusted list criterion
Why D: Option A is correct because the ASR rule 'Block executable files from running unless they meet a prevalence, age, or trusted list criterion' covers Temp folder executables. Option B is wrong because it blocks credential theft. Option C is wrong because it blocks macros. Option D is wrong because it blocks process injection.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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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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