The answer is to enable automated investigation and response (AIR) in Microsoft Defender XDR. This is correct because AIR uses built-in automation to contain compromised devices at machine-level when a high-severity incident is detected, executing actions like isolating the device from the network without manual intervention. On the MS-102 exam, this question tests your understanding of how Microsoft Defender XDR’s native automation differs from external tools like Microsoft Sentinel playbooks, which require separate triggers, or custom detection rules that only generate alerts. A common trap is confusing device groups—which manage policy scope, not automation—with AIR’s containment logic. Remember the memory tip: “AIR contains, rules alert, groups govern, playbooks prompt.”
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. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
You are designing an incident response plan using Microsoft Defender XDR. You want to automate the containment of compromised devices when a high-severity incident is detected. What should you configure?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enable automated investigation and response (AIR) in Microsoft Defender XDR
Option C is correct because automated investigation and response (AIR) in Microsoft Defender XDR can automatically contain devices. Option A is wrong because playbooks in Microsoft Sentinel require manual triggering or separate automation. Option B is wrong because custom detection rules only create alerts. Option D is wrong because device groups are for management, not automation.
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.
✗
Configure custom detection rules in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Why it's wrong here
Custom detection rules generate alerts, but do not automatically contain.
✗
Configure device groups in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Why it's wrong here
Device groups organize devices, but do not automate containment.
✓
Enable automated investigation and response (AIR) in Microsoft Defender XDR
Why this is correct
AIR can automatically contain devices based on incident severity.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Create a playbook in Microsoft Sentinel
Why it's wrong here
Playbooks are for Microsoft Sentinel, not directly for Defender XDR.
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 cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
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: Enable automated investigation and response (AIR) in Microsoft Defender XDR — Option C is correct because automated investigation and response (AIR) in Microsoft Defender XDR can automatically contain devices. Option A is wrong because playbooks in Microsoft Sentinel require manual triggering or separate automation. Option B is wrong because custom detection rules only create alerts. Option D is wrong because device groups are for management, not automation.
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 Defender for Endpoint. You need to ensure that when a user clicks a malicious link in an email, the endpoint is automatically isolated. What should you configure?
medium
A.Enable network protection in block mode.
✓ B.Configure an automated investigation and response (AIR) playbook for device isolation.
C.Configure attack surface reduction rules to block the link.
D.Create a custom detection rule to trigger isolation.
Why B: Option C is correct because automated investigation and response (AIR) can be configured to isolate a device when a malicious link is clicked. Option A is wrong because attack surface reduction rules reduce vulnerability but do not automatically isolate. Option B is wrong because network protection blocks connections but does not isolate. Option D is wrong because custom detection rules can trigger isolation but require additional configuration; AIR is the built-in automation.
Variation 2. Your organization uses Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. You need to ensure that when a device with a high-risk vulnerability is detected, it is automatically isolated from the network. What should you configure?
medium
A.Run an advanced hunting query to identify high-risk devices.
✓ B.Create an automation rule in Microsoft Defender XDR.
C.Create a device group and assign a device configuration policy.
D.Enable vulnerability management in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.
Why B: Option D is correct because an automation rule in Microsoft Defender XDR can automatically isolate a device when a vulnerability is detected. Option A is wrong because device groups control policy assignment, not automation. Option B is wrong because vulnerability management shows findings but does not automate isolation. Option C is wrong because the advanced hunting query only identifies devices, it does not trigger actions.
Variation 3. Your organization uses Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (Plan 2) and Microsoft Defender for Identity. A user reports that their device is running slowly and exhibiting unusual network traffic. You investigate in Microsoft Defender XDR and see a high number of alerts for the device. You need to determine if the device is compromised and, if so, initiate an automated investigation. What should you do first?
hard
A.Isolate the device from the network immediately
B.Initiate a Live Response session to gather forensic data
✓ C.Use the Microsoft Defender XDR portal to trigger an automated investigation on the device
D.Run a full antivirus scan from Microsoft Defender Antivirus
Why C: Option C is correct because using the Microsoft Defender XDR portal to initiate an automated investigation will leverage the full XDR capabilities. Option A is wrong because live response is manual and not automated. Option B is wrong because running a full scan is not automated investigation. Option D is wrong because device isolation is a manual step.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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