The correct answer is the ASR rule 'Block credential stealing from the Windows Local Security Authority Subsystem' (GUID: 9e6c4e1f-7d60-472f-ba1a-a39ef669e4b2). This rule specifically prevents credential dumping from LSASS by blocking common attack techniques such as Mimikatz or direct API calls like OpenProcess and ReadProcessMemory, which adversaries use to read the process memory where hashed credentials are stored. On the Microsoft 365 Administrator MS-102 exam, this question tests your ability to map specific Attack Surface Reduction rules to common threat vectors, often appearing in scenario-based questions about endpoint security policies. A common trap is confusing this rule with the broader 'Block LSASS credential theft' or unrelated rules like 'Block executable content from email client'; remember that the exact name and GUID are what matter. Memory tip: think '9e6c4e1f' as '9E-6C-4E-1F' — '9E' for 'Nine Eleven' (security emergency), '6C' for 'LSASS' (L is the 12th letter, 6+6=12), and '4E-1F' as 'For Endpoint, One Focus' on LSASS.
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 security administrator wants to reduce the risk of credential dumping from LSASS on managed Windows endpoints. Which Attack Surface Reduction rule should be enabled?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Block credential stealing from the Windows Local Security Authority Subsystem
Option A is correct because the 'Block credential stealing from the Windows Local Security Authority Subsystem' ASR rule (GUID: 9e6c4e1f-7d60-472f-ba1a-a39ef669e4b2) specifically prevents credential dumping from LSASS by blocking access to the process memory via common techniques like Mimikatz or direct API calls (e.g., OpenProcess, ReadProcessMemory). This directly reduces the risk of credential theft on managed Windows endpoints.
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 credential stealing from the Windows Local Security Authority Subsystem
Why this is correct
This ASR rule targets attempts to access LSASS memory for credential theft.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Block executable files from running unless they meet prevalence, age, or trusted list criteria
Why it's wrong here
This rule blocks low-reputation executables but does not specifically protect LSASS credentials.
✗
Block untrusted and unsigned processes that run from USB
Why it's wrong here
This rule reduces USB-borne malware execution, not credential dumping from LSASS.
✗
Block JavaScript or VBScript from launching downloaded executable content
Why it's wrong here
This rule targets script-based malware delivery, not LSASS memory access.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse ASR rules with general malware prevention or USB controls, failing to recognize that the specific rule for LSASS credential protection is explicitly named and targeted at memory-based credential theft, not broader execution or download restrictions.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, this ASR rule uses Windows Defender Exploit Guard to apply a kernel-mode filter that intercepts and blocks attempts to open LSASS process handles with specific access rights (e.g., PROCESS_VM_READ, PROCESS_VM_WRITE) from non-trusted processes. In a real-world scenario, even if an attacker bypasses other defenses and executes Mimikatz, this rule prevents the tool from reading LSASS memory, forcing the attacker to rely on more complex techniques like extracting credentials from the registry or domain controller.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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.
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: Block credential stealing from the Windows Local Security Authority Subsystem — Option A is correct because the 'Block credential stealing from the Windows Local Security Authority Subsystem' ASR rule (GUID: 9e6c4e1f-7d60-472f-ba1a-a39ef669e4b2) specifically prevents credential dumping from LSASS by blocking access to the process memory via common techniques like Mimikatz or direct API calls (e.g., OpenProcess, ReadProcessMemory). This directly reduces the risk of credential theft on managed Windows endpoints.
What should I do if I get this MS-102 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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