The correct answer is to identify accounts with multiple failed logon attempts from a single IP. This is because the KQL query filters the `SigninLogs` table for `ResultType == 50057`, which specifically denotes a failed sign-in due to an incorrect password, then uses `summarize count()` by `IPAddress` and `UserPrincipalName` with a filter for more than five failures, directly detecting brute-force or password-spray patterns. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this tests your ability to interpret KQL logic for detecting brute-force attacks in Sentinel, often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must match query output to attack types. A common trap is confusing `ResultType 50057` with account lockout codes (50053) or MFA failures (50074); remember that 50057 is the "wrong password" code. Memory tip: think "57 = 5-7 failed attempts" to recall that this code targets password guessing.
SC-100 Practice Question: Design solutions that align with security best practices and priorities
This SC-100 practice question tests your understanding of design solutions that align with security best practices and priorities. 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
Refer to the exhibit.
SecurityEvent
| where TimeGenerated > ago(7d)
| where EventID == 4625
| summarize FailedLogons = count() by Account, IpAddress
| where FailedLogons > 10
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.
Refer to the exhibit.
SecurityEvent
| where TimeGenerated > ago(7d)
| where EventID == 4625
| summarize FailedLogons = count() by Account, IpAddress
| where FailedLogons > 10
A
To identify accounts with multiple failed logon attempts from a single IP.
The query aggregates failed logons by account and IP, filtering for >10 attempts.
B
To list all successful logon events in the last 7 days.
Why wrong: The query uses EventID 4625 which is failed logon, not success.
C
To calculate the total number of failed logons per hour.
Why wrong: The query does not include a time bin.
D
To detect account lockout events.
Why wrong: Account lockout is EventID 4740, not 4625.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
To identify accounts with multiple failed logon attempts from a single IP.
The query uses the `SigninLogs` table and filters for `ResultType == 50057`, which specifically indicates a failed user sign-in due to an incorrect password. By then summarizing `count()` by `IPAddress` and `UserPrincipalName` and filtering for `FailedAttempts > 5`, the query identifies accounts that have experienced multiple failed logon attempts from a single IP address. This aligns with detecting brute-force or password-spray attacks, making option A correct.
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.
✓
To identify accounts with multiple failed logon attempts from a single IP.
Why this is correct
The query aggregates failed logons by account and IP, filtering for >10 attempts.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
To list all successful logon events in the last 7 days.
Why it's wrong here
The query uses EventID 4625 which is failed logon, not success.
✗
To calculate the total number of failed logons per hour.
Why it's wrong here
The query does not include a time bin.
✗
To detect account lockout events.
Why it's wrong here
Account lockout is EventID 4740, not 4625.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse the `ResultType` code 50057 with a successful logon or lockout event, or overlook that the query groups by both IP and user, not by time, leading them to select options B, C, or D.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `ResultType == 50057` corresponds to the Azure AD sign-in error code for 'User account does not exist or incorrect password.' In a real-world scenario, an attacker might use a single IP to attempt multiple passwords against one account (brute-force) or one password against many accounts (password-spray); this query detects the former by grouping both IP and user. The `summarize` operator with `count()` aggregates events, and the `where FailedAttempts > 5` threshold helps reduce noise from legitimate mistypes.
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 solutions that align with security best practices and priorities — This question tests Design solutions that align with security best practices and priorities — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: To identify accounts with multiple failed logon attempts from a single IP. — The query uses the `SigninLogs` table and filters for `ResultType == 50057`, which specifically indicates a failed user sign-in due to an incorrect password. By then summarizing `count()` by `IPAddress` and `UserPrincipalName` and filtering for `FailedAttempts > 5`, the query identifies accounts that have experienced multiple failed logon attempts from a single IP address. This aligns with detecting brute-force or password-spray attacks, making option A correct.
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.
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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Variation 1. Your organization uses Microsoft Sentinel as its SIEM. The security team needs to detect brute-force attacks against Azure VMs by analyzing Windows Security Event logs. Which data connector should you enable?
easy
A.Office 365 connector
B.Azure Activity log connector
C.Microsoft Defender for Cloud connector
✓ D.Windows Security Events via AMA connector
Why D: The Windows Security Events via AMA connector (D) is correct because it ingests Windows Event Logs (specifically Security logs with Event ID 4625 for failed logons) from Azure VMs into Microsoft Sentinel, enabling detection of brute-force patterns. This connector uses the Azure Monitor Agent (AMA) to collect events, which is the recommended method for modern Windows event collection in Sentinel.
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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