The correct answer is to run a KQL query in Advanced Hunting against IdentityLogonEvents to identify suspicious replication attempts. This is because a DCSync attack exploits the Directory Replication Service Remote Protocol to impersonate a domain controller and request password hashes, and the IdentityLogonEvents table captures the specific network logon events tied to these replication requests, making it the most direct data source for investigation. On the MS-102 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between Advanced Hunting tables: IdentityDirectoryEvents logs directory service modifications, IdentityQueryEvents tracks LDAP queries, and IdentityAlertEvents shows pre-built alerts rather than raw logon data. A common trap is choosing IdentityDirectoryEvents, but remember that DCSync is about unauthorized replication logons, not directory changes. Memory tip: think “Logon for Replication” — DCSync is a logon event disguised as a domain controller, so always start with IdentityLogonEvents.
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 uses Microsoft Defender for Identity. You receive an alert about a potential DCSync attack. What should you do to investigate this alert in Microsoft Defender XDR?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Run a KQL query in Advanced Hunting against IdentityLogonEvents to identify suspicious replication attempts.
Option C is correct because in Microsoft Defender XDR, you can use Advanced Hunting to run a KQL query against the IdentityLogonEvents table to look for replication attempts. Option A (review IdentityDirectoryEvents) contains directory service events, but logon events are more relevant for DCSync. Option B (use IdentityQueryEvents) is for query events. Option D (check IdentityAlertEvents) shows alerts but not raw logon data.
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.
✗
Review the IdentityDirectoryEvents table for replication-related events.
Why it's wrong here
IdentityDirectoryEvents contains directory service changes, not logon events.
✗
Use IdentityQueryEvents to find LDAP queries related to replication.
Why it's wrong here
IdentityQueryEvents is for query events, not replication attempts.
✗
Check the IdentityAlertEvents table to see if the alert has additional context.
Why it's wrong here
IdentityAlertEvents shows alerts, not raw logon data for investigation.
✓
Run a KQL query in Advanced Hunting against IdentityLogonEvents to identify suspicious replication attempts.
Why this is correct
IdentityLogonEvents contains logon events that can show replication attempts.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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
IdentityAlertEvents shows alerts, not raw logon data for investigation.
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: Run a KQL query in Advanced Hunting against IdentityLogonEvents to identify suspicious replication attempts. — Option C is correct because in Microsoft Defender XDR, you can use Advanced Hunting to run a KQL query against the IdentityLogonEvents table to look for replication attempts. Option A (review IdentityDirectoryEvents) contains directory service events, but logon events are more relevant for DCSync. Option B (use IdentityQueryEvents) is for query events. Option D (check IdentityAlertEvents) shows alerts but not raw logon data.
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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