The correct next step is to expand the KQL query to join with DeviceProcessEvents to see which process initiated the connections. This is the most effective approach for investigating suspicious network connections because it traces the network activity back to its source process, directly addressing the core need of KQL advanced hunting in Microsoft Defender XDR. Without this join, you only see the destination IP and volume, but knowing which executable—like a malicious script or unknown binary—is making those 1500 connections provides the forensic context needed to confirm compromise. On the MS-102 exam, this scenario tests your ability to chain KQL tables for root-cause analysis rather than taking reactive actions; a common trap is jumping to isolation or blocking, which destroys evidence or disrupts legitimate traffic. Remember the memory tip: “Process before block”—always identify the process behind the pattern before taking containment steps.
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.
Exhibit
{
"exhibit_text": "You run the following KQL query in Microsoft Defender XDR Advanced Hunting:\n\n`DeviceNetworkEvents`\n`| where Timestamp > ago(1d)`\n`| where ActionType == "ConnectionSuccess"`\n`| where RemoteIPType == "Public"`\n`| summarize Count = count() by DeviceName, RemoteIP`\n`| where Count > 100`\n`| order by Count desc`\n\nThe query returns a list of devices that have made over 100 successful connections to public IPs in the last day. You need to investigate further."
Refer to the exhibit. You run the KQL query and see that a device named 'WORKSTATION42' has made 1500 connections to a public IP address 203.0.113.55 in the last day. You suspect the device may be compromised. What should you do next to gain the most context?
{
"exhibit_text": "You run the following KQL query in Microsoft Defender XDR Advanced Hunting:\n\n`DeviceNetworkEvents`\n`| where Timestamp > ago(1d)`\n`| where ActionType == "ConnectionSuccess"`\n`| where RemoteIPType == "Public"`\n`| summarize Count = count() by DeviceName, RemoteIP`\n`| where Count > 100`\n`| order by Count desc`\n\nThe query returns a list of devices that have made over 100 successful connections to public IPs in the last day. You need to investigate further."
A
Isolate the device immediately using Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Why wrong: Isolation without investigation may lose evidence.
B
Expand the query to join with DeviceProcessEvents to see which process initiated the connections
Provides context on the process causing the traffic.
C
Add the IP address to the Tenant Allow/Block List to block it
Why wrong: Blocking IP may be premature without understanding the process.
D
Create a Safe Links policy to block the IP address
Why wrong: Safe Links is for URLs, not IP blocking.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Expand the query to join with DeviceProcessEvents to see which process initiated the connections
Option B is correct because expanding the query to include process information can reveal which process is making the connections, helping identify malware. Option A is wrong because simply isolating the device loses forensic data. Option C is wrong because Safe Links is for email, not device network. Option D is wrong because blocking the IP is reactive and may disrupt legitimate traffic.
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.
✗
Isolate the device immediately using Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Why it's wrong here
Isolation without investigation may lose evidence.
✓
Expand the query to join with DeviceProcessEvents to see which process initiated the connections
Why this is correct
Provides context on the process causing the traffic.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Add the IP address to the Tenant Allow/Block List to block it
Why it's wrong here
Blocking IP may be premature without understanding the process.
✗
Create a Safe Links policy to block the IP address
Why it's wrong here
Safe Links is for URLs, not IP blocking.
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 healthcare organisation deploys an application with a public-facing web tier and a private database tier. The database subnet has no public IP and only accepts connections from the web tier's security group. Questions like this test whether you can design cloud network isolation using VNets/VPCs, subnets, and security group rules.
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: Expand the query to join with DeviceProcessEvents to see which process initiated the connections — Option B is correct because expanding the query to include process information can reveal which process is making the connections, helping identify malware. Option A is wrong because simply isolating the device loses forensic data. Option C is wrong because Safe Links is for email, not device network. Option D is wrong because blocking the IP is reactive and may disrupt legitimate traffic.
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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