The correct KQL query for ransomware detection in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is DeviceProcessEvents | join DeviceNetworkEvents on DeviceId. This combination is essential because ransomware incidents typically involve two correlated phases: initial script execution, captured by DeviceProcessEvents, followed by lateral movement via SMB outbound connections, captured by DeviceNetworkEvents. Joining these tables on DeviceId allows you to alert when the same device shows both a suspicious process creation and subsequent network propagation attempts, directly matching the attack chain described. On the Microsoft 365 Administrator MS-102 exam, this question tests your ability to map real-world attack behaviors to the appropriate Advanced Hunting schema tables, with a common trap being to choose DeviceFileEvents for file encryption events alone, which misses the critical network propagation signal. Remember the memory tip: "Process starts the attack, Network spreads it—join them to catch the full chain."
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.
Your organization has Microsoft Defender for Endpoint deployed. You are investigating a potential ransomware incident. The device timeline shows a series of events: a user downloaded a malicious attachment from an email, which then executed a script that encrypted files and attempted to propagate to other devices via SMB. You need to configure a custom detection rule to alert on similar behavior in the future. Which KQL query should you use as a basis?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
DeviceProcessEvents | join DeviceNetworkEvents on DeviceId
Option A is correct because DeviceProcessEvents can capture process creation events (script execution) and DeviceNetworkEvents can capture SMB outbound connections, allowing correlation of initial script execution with later network propagation. Option B is wrong because DeviceFileEvents captures file modifications but not process or network events. Option C is wrong because DeviceRegistryEvents captures registry changes. Option D is wrong because DeviceLogonEvents captures logon activity.
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.
✗
DeviceFileEvents | where FileName endswith '.encrypted'
Why it's wrong here
Only captures encrypted files, not initial execution or propagation.
✗
DeviceLogonEvents | where LogonType == 3
Why it's wrong here
Captures network logons, but not the script execution.
✗
DeviceRegistryEvents | where RegistryKey contains 'Run'
Why it's wrong here
Focuses on persistence, not the full attack chain.
✓
DeviceProcessEvents | join DeviceNetworkEvents on DeviceId
Why this is correct
Combines process creation and network events to detect script execution followed by SMB propagation.
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.
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: DeviceProcessEvents | join DeviceNetworkEvents on DeviceId — Option A is correct because DeviceProcessEvents can capture process creation events (script execution) and DeviceNetworkEvents can capture SMB outbound connections, allowing correlation of initial script execution with later network propagation. Option B is wrong because DeviceFileEvents captures file modifications but not process or network events. Option C is wrong because DeviceRegistryEvents captures registry changes. Option D is wrong because DeviceLogonEvents captures logon activity.
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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Question Discussion
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