The answer is to add the file type to the policy's file type list and configure the Block action. These two elements work together because the Safe Attachments policy in Defender for Office 365 requires you to specify which file types are targeted and then define the enforcement action—without the Block action, the policy would merely monitor or redirect the attachment rather than prevent delivery. On the MS-102 exam, this question tests your understanding of policy components versus recipient scoping; a common trap is confusing the Block action with the Redirect action, which only reroutes suspicious files for review rather than blocking them outright. Remember that the policy applies to domains or mailboxes as recipients, not to individual users, so focus on the action and the file type list as the core configuration pair. A useful memory tip is "Target and Terminate"—first target the file type in the list, then terminate it with the Block action.
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 uses Microsoft Defender for Office 365. You need to create a Safe Attachments policy that will block all attachments with a specific file type. Which TWO elements must you configure? (Choose two.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Set the action to 'Block' for the file type.
A and C are correct. The 'Block' action is necessary to block the attachment. Setting the file type in the policy configuration targets the specific type. B is wrong because the redirect option is for delivering to a different location, not blocking. D is wrong because the policy applies to mailboxes, not individual users. E is wrong because the policy applies to a domain, not recipients.
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.
✗
Enable the redirect option to send the attachment to a security mailbox.
Why it's wrong here
Redirect does not block; it sends to another mailbox.
✓
Set the action to 'Block' for the file type.
Why this is correct
Block action prevents delivery.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Add the file type to the policy's file type list.
Why this is correct
Specifies which file type to block.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Specify the recipient domain in the policy condition.
Why it's wrong here
Domain is not required for file type blocking.
✗
Select the user or group to apply the policy to.
Why it's wrong here
Policy applies to mailboxes, not users directly.
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: Set the action to 'Block' for the file type. — A and C are correct. The 'Block' action is necessary to block the attachment. Setting the file type in the policy configuration targets the specific type. B is wrong because the redirect option is for delivering to a different location, not blocking. D is wrong because the policy applies to mailboxes, not individual users. E is wrong because the policy applies to a domain, not recipients.
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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