The correct answer is to isolate the device using Microsoft Defender for Endpoint’s device isolation feature, because this action immediately severs all network communication with the command-and-control (C2) server while preserving the endpoint’s forensic data for investigation. Unlike physically disconnecting the network cable—which can trigger data loss from volatile memory—Defender’s isolation maintains the device’s process and memory state, allowing analysts to later extract artifacts. On the SC-200 exam, this scenario tests your ability to prioritize containment over remediation: common traps include choosing “run a full scan” (too slow and reactive) or “block the C2 URL” (ineffective if the malware uses multiple fallback domains). Remember that for a critical production device, isolation is the only option that stops active C2 communication without destroying evidence. Memory tip: “Isolate first, investigate second—C2 stops when the pipe is cut.”
SC-200 Respond to security incidents Practice Question
This SC-200 practice question tests your understanding of respond to security incidents. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. 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.
A Microsoft Defender for Endpoint alert indicates that a device has been communicating with a known command-and-control (C2) server. The device is critical for production. What is the most appropriate response?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Isolate the device using Microsoft Defender for Endpoint's device isolation feature.
The most appropriate response is to isolate the device from the network to prevent further C2 communication while preserving forensic data. Disconnecting the network cable does not preserve data. Running a full scan is reactive. Blocking the C2 URL is less effective because the device may have other backdoors.
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.
✗
Disconnect the network cable of the device.
Why it's wrong here
This is an uncontrolled method and does not preserve forensic data; isolation is better.
✗
Run a full antivirus scan on the device.
Why it's wrong here
A scan may detect malware but does not stop ongoing C2 communication.
✗
Block the C2 server URL in the firewall.
Why it's wrong here
Blocking the URL is good but the device may have other C2 channels; isolation is more comprehensive.
✓
Isolate the device using Microsoft Defender for Endpoint's device isolation feature.
Why this is correct
Isolation can be done with a forensic preservation mode, allowing investigation while blocking communication.
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 healthcare organisation deploys an application with a public-facing web tier and a private database tier. The database subnet has no public IP and only accepts connections from the web tier's security group. Questions like this test whether you can design cloud network isolation using VNets/VPCs, subnets, and security group rules.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this SC-200 question in full detail.
Identify which SC-200 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.
Respond to security incidents — This question tests Respond to security incidents — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Isolate the device using Microsoft Defender for Endpoint's device isolation feature. — The most appropriate response is to isolate the device from the network to prevent further C2 communication while preserving forensic data. Disconnecting the network cable does not preserve data. Running a full scan is reactive. Blocking the C2 URL is less effective because the device may have other backdoors.
What should I do if I get this SC-200 question wrong?
Identify which SC-200 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.
About these practice questions
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These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Your security team receives an alert from Microsoft Defender for Endpoint indicating a suspicious PowerShell command was executed on a device. The command attempted to download a payload from a known malicious IP. After confirming the alert is a true positive, what should be your first containment step?
medium
A.Search for similar commands across all devices using advanced hunting
B.Disable the user account in Microsoft Entra ID
✓ C.Isolate the device from the network using Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
D.Reset the user's password
Why C: Option B is correct because immediately isolating the affected device from the network prevents lateral movement and further compromise. Option A is wrong because password reset does not address the existing compromise. Option C is wrong because disabling the user account may not stop the malicious process already running. Option D is wrong because searching for indicators is part of investigation, not immediate containment.
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Question Discussion
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