The answer is to add the line `| where IPAddress !startswith "10."` to your KQL query. This is correct because internal corporate IPs in a Microsoft environment typically fall within the RFC 1918 private address ranges, such as the 10.0.0.0/8 block, and filtering them out isolates suspicious logons from external IPs. On the MS-102 exam, this tests your ability to refine KQL queries in Microsoft Defender XDR for security investigations, specifically using the `!startswith` operator to exclude a subnet prefix rather than relying on application filters or sorting. A common trap is to overcomplicate the solution with unnecessary summarization or sorting, but the core need is a simple IP range filter. Remember the memory tip: “10 is internal, so start with ‘not starts with 10’ to keep the external suspects in view.”
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
Refer to the exhibit.
```kusto
// KQL query in Microsoft Defender XDR
IdentityLogonEvents
| where Timestamp > ago(1d)
| where Application == "Exchange Online"
| summarize TotalLogons = count() by AccountUpn, IPAddress
| where TotalLogons > 10
| project AccountUpn, IPAddress, TotalLogons
```
You run the KQL query in Microsoft Defender XDR. The query returns a list of users who logged into Exchange Online more than 10 times in the last day from a single IP address. However, you notice that some IP addresses are internal corporate IPs. What should you add to the query to focus on suspicious logons from external IPs?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Add a line: | where IPAddress !startswith "10."
Option C is correct because the query should filter by an IP range that excludes internal corporate IPs. Option A is wrong because filtering by Application would not exclude internal IPs. Option B is wrong because summarizing by Application is unnecessary. Option D is wrong because filtering by TotalLogons > 10 already exists. Option E is wrong because sorting does not exclude internal IPs.
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.
✓
Add a line: | where IPAddress !startswith "10."
Why this is correct
This filters out internal IPs in the 10.0.0.0/8 range.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Add a line: | where Application == "Outlook Web App"
Why it's wrong here
This would change the application focus, not filter IPs.
This changes the threshold but does not exclude internal IPs.
✗
Add a line: | sort by TotalLogons desc
Why it's wrong here
This only sorts the results.
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: Add a line: | where IPAddress !startswith "10." — Option C is correct because the query should filter by an IP range that excludes internal corporate IPs. Option A is wrong because filtering by Application would not exclude internal IPs. Option B is wrong because summarizing by Application is unnecessary. Option D is wrong because filtering by TotalLogons > 10 already exists. Option E is wrong because sorting does not exclude internal IPs.
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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