The answer is isolating an affected device from the network and removing malicious files, as these are the two actions that can be taken automatically by Automated Investigation and Response (AIR) in Microsoft Defender XDR. AIR leverages built-in automation to contain threats at the endpoint level by immediately quarantining a compromised device and deleting detected malware, without requiring manual intervention. On the MS-102 exam, this question tests your understanding of what AIR can do autonomously versus what requires a human-driven playbook, such as disabling user accounts or resetting passwords—common distractors that appear as traps. A key memory tip is to focus on endpoint-level containment: AIR acts on devices and files, not on identities or email infrastructure. Remember the mnemonic “D-F-I” for Device isolation and File removal are the only automatic actions in AIR.
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 company experiences a ransomware attack that encrypts files on several endpoints. The security team wants to use automated investigation and response (AIR) capabilities in Microsoft Defender XDR to contain the threat. Which TWO actions can be taken automatically by AIR? (Select TWO.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Remove malicious files detected by Defender for Endpoint.
AIR in Defender XDR can automatically isolate devices and remove malicious files. Option A and Option D are correct. Option B is wrong because disabling user accounts is not automatic; it requires a playbook. Option C is wrong because password reset is not automatic. Option E is wrong because blocking email domains is not automatic.
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 the sender's email domain in Defender for Office 365.
Why it's wrong here
Blocking domains is not part of AIR.
✓
Remove malicious files detected by Defender for Endpoint.
Why this is correct
AIR can remove files automatically.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Isolate an affected device from the network.
Why this is correct
AIR can isolate devices automatically.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Disable user accounts associated with the attack.
Why it's wrong here
Account disablement is not automatic; it requires manual action.
✗
Reset user passwords for affected accounts.
Why it's wrong here
Password reset is not automatic.
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 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.
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: Remove malicious files detected by Defender for Endpoint. — AIR in Defender XDR can automatically isolate devices and remove malicious files. Option A and Option D are correct. Option B is wrong because disabling user accounts is not automatic; it requires a playbook. Option C is wrong because password reset is not automatic. Option E is wrong because blocking email domains is not automatic.
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. Your organization uses Microsoft 365 Defender. You need to configure automated investigation and response (AIR) to automatically remediate high-confidence phishing emails. What should you configure?
medium
A.Automated investigation and response for collaboration content
B.Automated investigation and response for identities
✓ C.Automated investigation and response for email
D.Automated investigation and response for devices
Why C: Option C is correct because AIR policies for email handle automated remediation of phishing. Option A is wrong because it's for device. Option B is wrong because it's for user accounts. Option D is wrong because it's for collaboration.
Variation 2. Your organization uses Microsoft Defender XDR. You need to configure automatic response actions for a high-severity incident. Which TWO options are available in the Microsoft Defender XDR automated investigation and response capabilities?
medium
A.Create a mailbox rule to delete suspicious emails
✓ B.Isolate a device from the network
✓ C.Collect an investigation package from a device
D.Delegate mailbox permissions
E.Reset user passwords
Why B: Correct: A and D. Automated investigation can initiate device isolation and collect investigation packages. Option B is wrong because mailbox delegation is not automated. Option C is wrong because resetting passwords is not an automated response action. Option E is wrong because creating a mailbox rule is not an automated action.
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.