The correct first step is to run a KQL query in Microsoft Sentinel to review the SigninLogs table for the affected user within the alert time range. This approach is the most efficient because Microsoft Sentinel ingests Microsoft Entra ID sign-in logs directly, allowing you to immediately verify whether the login succeeded or failed and to examine associated details like IP address, location, and device. On the SC-200 exam, this scenario tests your ability to prioritize log-source selection when investigating suspicious logins from unusual locations—a common trap is jumping to broader tools like Defender for Cloud Apps or firewalls, which lack the granular sign-in data or are too slow. Remember, when investigating a specific login event, always start with the source table that records the authentication itself. A useful memory tip: “SigninLogs first, everything else later”—if you need to confirm success or failure, go straight to the sign-in logs.
SC-200 Respond to security incidents Practice Question
This SC-200 practice question tests your understanding of respond to security incidents. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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 security analyst receives a high-severity alert for a suspicious login from an unusual location. The alert was generated by Microsoft Sentinel from Microsoft Entra ID sign-in logs. The analyst needs to determine if the login was successful and if any data exfiltration occurred. What is the MOST efficient first step?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Run a KQL query in Microsoft Sentinel to review the SigninLogs table for the user within the alert time range.
Option B is correct because examining Microsoft Entra ID sign-in logs in Sentinel provides immediate details about login success/failure. Option A is wrong because Defender for Cloud Apps alerts may not include sign-in details. Option C is wrong because reviewing all firewalls is too broad and inefficient. Option D is wrong because checking Microsoft Defender XDR does not directly show sign-in details.
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.
✓
Run a KQL query in Microsoft Sentinel to review the SigninLogs table for the user within the alert time range.
Why this is correct
SigninLogs directly shows login success/failure and details.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use Microsoft Defender XDR to check the user's device timeline for suspicious activity.
Why it's wrong here
Device timeline may not show login details from external IPs.
✗
Run a KQL query in Microsoft Sentinel to check Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps alerts for the user.
Why it's wrong here
Defender for Cloud Apps alerts may not include sign-in success details directly.
✗
Check the firewall logs in Azure Firewall for outbound connections from the user's IP.
Why it's wrong here
Firewall logs do not show login success, only network traffic.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Device timeline may not show login details from external IPs.
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: Run a KQL query in Microsoft Sentinel to review the SigninLogs table for the user within the alert time range. — Option B is correct because examining Microsoft Entra ID sign-in logs in Sentinel provides immediate details about login success/failure. Option A is wrong because Defender for Cloud Apps alerts may not include sign-in details. Option C is wrong because reviewing all firewalls is too broad and inefficient. Option D is wrong because checking Microsoft Defender XDR does not directly show sign-in details.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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