The correct answer is to retrieve details of security alerts named 'Suspicious process execution' from the last hour. This KQL query uses the `AlertInfo` table to filter alerts by a specific name using the `where` operator, then narrows the time window to the last hour with `TimeGenerated > ago(1h)`, and finally uses the `project` operator to display only the relevant fields like alert name, time, and entity details. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this question tests your ability to read and interpret a straightforward KQL query that retrieves and filters existing alert data, rather than performing aggregation, table joins, or rule creation—common traps that distract from the simple filtering logic. A key memory tip is to remember that `project` is for selecting columns, not for summarizing data; if you see `project` without `summarize` or `join`, the query is purely retrieving and shaping details, not analyzing or combining datasets.
SC-100 Practice Question: Design security solutions for applications and data
This SC-100 practice question tests your understanding of design security solutions for applications and data. 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
SecurityAlert
| where AlertName == "Suspicious process execution"
| where TimeGenerated > ago(1h)
| project Computer, AlertName, TimeGenerated
Refer to the exhibit. You are analyzing a KQL query in Microsoft Sentinel. What is the purpose of this query?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Retrieve details of security alerts named 'Suspicious process execution' from the last hour
Option A is correct because the query filters alerts with a specific name and time range, then projects selected fields. Option B is wrong because it does not aggregate. Option C is wrong because it does not join tables. Option D is wrong because it does not create a new rule.
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.
✗
Count the number of 'Suspicious process execution' alerts in the last hour
Why it's wrong here
There is no summarize or count operator.
✓
Retrieve details of security alerts named 'Suspicious process execution' from the last hour
Why this is correct
The query filters by alert name and time, then projects columns.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Join the SecurityAlert table with another table to enrich the results
Why it's wrong here
No join is used.
✗
Create an analytics rule to detect 'Suspicious process execution'
Why it's wrong here
The query is for investigation, not rule creation.
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 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 applications and data — This question tests Design security solutions for applications and data — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Retrieve details of security alerts named 'Suspicious process execution' from the last hour — Option A is correct because the query filters alerts with a specific name and time range, then projects selected fields. Option B is wrong because it does not aggregate. Option C is wrong because it does not join tables. Option D is wrong because it does not create a new rule.
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.
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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