The answer is Endpoint data loss prevention (DLP). This is the correct solution because Endpoint DLP extends Microsoft Purview’s data loss prevention policies directly to devices, allowing you to monitor and block sensitive data being copied to USB drives at the operating system level. Unlike cloud-only controls, Endpoint DLP inspects the content’s sensitivity classification in real time and can enforce actions like blocking the copy, showing a policy tip, or auditing the attempt, making it the only native tool that prevents data exfiltration via removable media. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between endpoint-focused and cloud-focused DLP policies; a common trap is choosing Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps, which protects cloud apps but cannot block local USB transfers. Memory tip: think “USB = Endpoint” — if the data leaves via a physical port, you need Endpoint DLP.
SC-100 Practice Question: Design security operations, identity, and compliance capabilities
This SC-100 practice question tests your understanding of design security operations, identity, and compliance capabilities. 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 uses Microsoft Purview and needs to prevent users from copying sensitive data to USB drives. Which solution should you implement?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Endpoint data loss prevention (DLP)
Endpoint DLP is the correct solution because it extends data loss prevention policies to endpoints, enabling the detection and blocking of sensitive data being copied to removable USB drives. Unlike other controls, Endpoint DLP can monitor and restrict data exfiltration actions at the device level, such as copying files to USB media, based on the content's sensitivity classification.
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.
✗
Sensitivity labels with encryption
Why it's wrong here
Sensitivity labels classify data but do not prevent copying to USB.
✗
Insider Risk Management
Why it's wrong here
Insider Risk Management identifies risky behavior but does not enforce blocking.
✓
Endpoint data loss prevention (DLP)
Why this is correct
Endpoint DLP can block copying of sensitive data to removable devices like USB drives.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Communication Compliance
Why it's wrong here
Communication Compliance monitors communications, not data transfer to USB.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse Insider Risk Management (a detective control) with Endpoint DLP (a preventive control), assuming that risk management can block actions, when in fact it only alerts on suspicious behavior after the fact.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Endpoint DLP works by deploying a client-side agent on Windows or macOS devices that integrates with the Microsoft Purview compliance portal. When a user attempts to copy a file containing sensitive content (e.g., credit card numbers or PII) to a USB drive, the agent evaluates the file against configured DLP rules and can block the action, show a policy tip, or require justification. This enforcement relies on content analysis via exact data match (EDM) or trainable classifiers, and the policy can be scoped to specific users, groups, or devices for granular control.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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 SC-100 question in full detail.
Design security operations, identity, and compliance capabilities — This question tests Design security operations, identity, and compliance capabilities — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Endpoint data loss prevention (DLP) — Endpoint DLP is the correct solution because it extends data loss prevention policies to endpoints, enabling the detection and blocking of sensitive data being copied to removable USB drives. Unlike other controls, Endpoint DLP can monitor and restrict data exfiltration actions at the device level, such as copying files to USB media, based on the content's sensitivity classification.
What should I do if I get this SC-100 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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 →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This SC-100 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 SC-100 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.