Quick Answer
The answer is to initiate an automated investigation in Microsoft Defender XDR. This is the correct first step because automated investigation is specifically designed to contain ransomware while preserving forensic evidence—it immediately isolates the affected device and collects suspicious files, processes, and network logs for analysis, all without manual intervention that could alter the evidence. On the MS-102 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of Defender XDR’s built-in response capabilities versus manual actions; a common trap is choosing machine isolation, which stops the attack but can destroy volatile evidence like memory artifacts, or live response, which is slower and risks evidence tampering. Remember the key distinction: automated investigation balances containment and evidence preservation, while isolation sacrifices forensics for speed. A useful memory tip is “Auto first, forensics last”—let the automated engine gather the clues before you lock the door.
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.
Your organization has Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (Plan 2) and Microsoft Defender for Identity. A critical server is showing signs of a ransomware attack. You need to contain the threat while preserving forensic evidence for analysis. What should you do first?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Run a Live Response session to collect forensic data
Why wrong: Manual and may not contain the threat.
Isolate the server from the network immediately
Why wrong: Isolation may destroy volatile evidence.
Run a full antivirus scan on the server
Why wrong: Scan does not contain the threat.
Initiate an automated investigation in Microsoft Defender XDR
Automated investigation collects evidence and contains threat.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Initiate an automated investigation in Microsoft Defender XDR
Option D is correct because initiating an automated investigation will collect and analyze evidence while containing the threat. Option A is wrong because machine isolation is immediate but may not preserve evidence. Option B is wrong because live response is manual and may be slower. Option C is wrong because full scan is slow and may not contain.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Run a Live Response session to collect forensic data
Why it's wrong here
Manual and may not contain the threat.
Isolate the server from the network immediately
Why it's wrong here
Isolation may destroy volatile evidence.
Run a full antivirus scan on the server
Why it's wrong here
Scan does not contain the threat.
Initiate an automated investigation in Microsoft Defender XDR
Why this is correct
Automated investigation collects evidence and contains threat.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
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 — study guide chapter
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FAQ
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..
The correct answer is: Initiate an automated investigation in Microsoft Defender XDR — Option D is correct because initiating an automated investigation will collect and analyze evidence while containing the threat. Option A is wrong because machine isolation is immediate but may not preserve evidence. Option B is wrong because live response is manual and may be slower. Option C is wrong because full scan is slow and may not contain.
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.
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
This MS-102 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the MS-102 exam.
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