The correct answer is to count security events per user, per computer, and per event type in the last hour. This is because the KQL query uses the `summarize` operator on the `SecurityEvent` table, grouping by `Account`, `Computer`, and `EventID` after applying a time filter for the last hour, which directly produces a count of events for each unique combination of those three dimensions. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this question tests your ability to read and interpret a KQL query’s intent rather than its syntax details, often appearing as a scenario where you must distinguish between a general event count and a filtered one. A common trap is assuming the query targets failed logins or admin accounts, but the absence of a `where` clause for specific EventIDs or account types means it counts all security events. Memory tip: think of the three S’s—Summarize Security by Source (Account), System (Computer), and Signature (EventID).
SC-100 Design security solutions for infrastructure Practice Question
This SC-100 practice question tests your understanding of design security solutions for infrastructure. 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
SecurityEvent
| where TimeGenerated > ago(1h)
| where AccountType == 'User'
| summarize count() by Account, Computer, EventID
Refer to the exhibit. You are reviewing a KQL query in Microsoft Sentinel. What is the primary purpose of this query?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Count security events per user, per computer, per event type in the last hour
The query filters SecurityEvent for user accounts in the last hour, then summarizes the count of events by Account, Computer, and EventID. Option A is correct. Option B is incorrect because it does not filter for failed logins. Option C is incorrect because it does not filter for admin accounts. Option D is incorrect because it does not filter for specific event IDs.
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.
✗
List all administrator accounts that logged in
Why it's wrong here
No filter for admin accounts.
✗
Identify failed logon attempts across all computers
Why it's wrong here
No filter for EventID 4625 (failed logon) is present.
✗
Find the most common event IDs across all computers
Why it's wrong here
The query counts per account/computer/eventID, not most common overall.
✓
Count security events per user, per computer, per event type in the last hour
Why this is correct
The query groups by Account, Computer, and EventID to count each combination.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
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
An e-commerce site experiences heavy traffic on Black Friday and near-zero traffic during off-peak weeks. Rather than provisioning permanent large VMs, the team uses auto-scaling groups that add capacity automatically under load and reduce it overnight. Questions like this test whether you understand elasticity, availability zones, and cloud compute scaling patterns.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this SC-100 question in full detail.
Identify which SC-100 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.
Design security solutions for infrastructure — This question tests Design security solutions for infrastructure — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Count security events per user, per computer, per event type in the last hour — The query filters SecurityEvent for user accounts in the last hour, then summarizes the count of events by Account, Computer, and EventID. Option A is correct. Option B is incorrect because it does not filter for failed logins. Option C is incorrect because it does not filter for admin accounts. Option D is incorrect because it does not filter for specific event IDs.
What should I do if I get this SC-100 question wrong?
Identify which SC-100 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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
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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