The answer is that the query does not include a time range, which will cause excessive alerts. In Microsoft Sentinel, every analytics rule query must specify a time range—typically using a function like `now()` or a `TimeGenerated` filter—to limit the data evaluated during each run. Without this filter, the rule scans the entire historical log table every time it executes, generating a flood of alerts for every past event where MFA is disabled, rather than only recent activity. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this scenario tests your understanding of analytics rule configuration and the common pitfall of overly broad queries that degrade security operations. A frequent trap is focusing on severity or rule status instead of the missing temporal scope. Remember the memory tip: “No time, no limit—alerts infinite.”
SC-100 Design security solutions for infrastructure Practice Question
This SC-100 practice question tests your understanding of design security solutions for infrastructure. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Refer to the exhibit. You are reviewing a Microsoft Sentinel analytics rule in your workspace. The output shows the rule 'MFA Disabled' is enabled with severity Medium. The query returns events where MFA is absent. What is the primary issue with this rule?
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
✓
The query does not include a time range, which will cause excessive alerts.
Option C is correct because the query is too broad and will generate excessive alerts (no time filter). Option A is wrong because the severity is Medium, which is acceptable. Option B is wrong because the rule is enabled. Option D is wrong because the threshold and operator are defined.
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.
✗
The rule should be disabled until tuned.
Why it's wrong here
The rule is enabled, but the issue is the query.
✗
The severity should be High.
Why it's wrong here
Severity is a design choice; not the primary issue.
✗
The trigger threshold is too low.
Why it's wrong here
Threshold may be fine; the main issue is the query scope.
✓
The query does not include a time range, which will cause excessive alerts.
Why this is correct
Without a time filter, the rule will fire on all historical data.
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
A company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
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: The query does not include a time range, which will cause excessive alerts. — Option C is correct because the query is too broad and will generate excessive alerts (no time filter). Option A is wrong because the severity is Medium, which is acceptable. Option B is wrong because the rule is enabled. Option D is wrong because the threshold and operator are defined.
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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