The answer is the KQL query `DeviceNetworkEvents | where RemotePort == 3389 and RemoteIP == '10.0.0.10' and InitiatingProcessAccountName == 'compromised_user'` because it directly captures the network connection event from the compromised workstation to the domain controller on RDP port 3389, which is the core indicator of lateral movement. This query works because `DeviceNetworkEvents` records outbound and inbound network traffic, allowing you to filter for the specific remote IP of the domain controller and the RDP port, while also identifying the initiating process account to confirm the compromised user. On the MS-102 exam, this tests your ability to distinguish between endpoint network events, logon events, and process events in advanced hunting—a common trap is choosing `DeviceLogonEvents`, which shows successful logons but not the network direction or the specific RDP connection. Remember the memory tip: "Port 3389 is the network tell; if you want the flow, use NetworkEvents, not LogonEvents."
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.
Your organization deploys Microsoft Defender XDR and wants to use advanced hunting to detect lateral movement by an attacker who uses RDP from a compromised workstation to a domain controller. Which KQL query should you use in advanced hunting?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
DeviceNetworkEvents | where RemotePort == 3389 and RemoteIP == '10.0.0.10' and InitiatingProcessAccountName == 'compromised_user'
Option B is correct because DeviceNetworkEvents captures network connections, and filtering for RDP (port 3389) from a compromised device to a domain controller identifies lateral movement. Option A is wrong because DeviceLogonEvents shows logons but not the network direction. Option C is wrong because DeviceProcessEvents shows processes, not network connections. Option D is wrong because IdentityLogonEvents is for cloud identities, not endpoint network events.
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.
✓
DeviceNetworkEvents | where RemotePort == 3389 and RemoteIP == '10.0.0.10' and InitiatingProcessAccountName == 'compromised_user'
Why this is correct
This query shows RDP connections from a compromised user to the DC.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
DeviceLogonEvents | where RemoteIP == '10.0.0.10' and LogonType == '10'
Why it's wrong here
DeviceLogonEvents does not include network direction for RDP.
✗
IdentityLogonEvents | where AccountUpn == 'compromised_user@contoso.com' and Application == 'Microsoft Remote Desktop'
Why it's wrong here
IdentityLogonEvents covers cloud apps, not endpoint network events.
✗
DeviceProcessEvents | where ProcessCommandLine contains 'mstsc.exe' and AccountName == 'compromised_user'
Why it's wrong here
DeviceProcessEvents shows process creation, not network connections.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
DeviceProcessEvents shows process creation, not network connections.
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: DeviceNetworkEvents | where RemotePort == 3389 and RemoteIP == '10.0.0.10' and InitiatingProcessAccountName == 'compromised_user' — Option B is correct because DeviceNetworkEvents captures network connections, and filtering for RDP (port 3389) from a compromised device to a domain controller identifies lateral movement. Option A is wrong because DeviceLogonEvents shows logons but not the network direction. Option C is wrong because DeviceProcessEvents shows processes, not network connections. Option D is wrong because IdentityLogonEvents is for cloud identities, not endpoint network events.
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.
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