- A
Initiate a live response session and delete the file manually.
Why wrong: Live response allows direct interaction, but deleting the file does not allow it; it removes it. The goal is to allow the file, not delete it.
- B
Use the 'Add indicator' feature to create a custom IOC for the file hash with action 'Allow'.
Adding a custom indicator with action 'Allow' tells Defender to treat that file as clean, overriding automation blocks.
- C
Change the automated investigation settings to 'No action' and rerun investigation.
Why wrong: Changing global settings affects future investigations, not the current block. It does not allow the specific file.
- D
Collect the file for analysis; the allow decision must be made by Microsoft after analysis.
Why wrong: Collecting for analysis is for submission to Microsoft, but it does not immediately allow the file. The analyst can manually allow via indicator.
Quick Answer
The answer is to use the Add indicator feature to create a custom IOC for the file hash with the action set to Allow. This is correct because the Add indicator function in Microsoft 365 Defender allows analysts to override automated verdicts at a granular level, enabling a specific trusted application to run while preserving the block on other malicious files. On the SC-200 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how custom indicators of compromise (IOCs) interact with automated investigation and response (AIR) workflows—a common trap is confusing this with modifying the automation level or adding an exclusion, which would broadly weaken security. Remember the key distinction: Add indicator targets a specific file hash, not a folder or process, and the Allow action is a precise override, not a global bypass. A useful memory tip is “Hash to Allow, not blanket wallow”—meaning you allow by file hash, not by broad exclusion.
SC-200 Mitigate threats using Microsoft Defender XDR Practice Question
This SC-200 practice question tests your understanding of mitigate threats using microsoft defender xdr. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. A key principle to apply: custom indicators of compromise (IOCs) allow security teams to define specific detection, prevention, or allow rules.. 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.
An organization uses Microsoft 365 Defender. An automated investigation on a device identifies a malicious file and blocks it. The analyst now wants to allow a specific trusted application that was incorrectly blocked, while keeping other malicious files blocked. Which action should the analyst take from the device's entity page?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Use the 'Add indicator' feature to create a custom IOC for the file hash with action 'Allow'.
The 'Add indicator' feature in Microsoft Defender XDR allows analysts to create custom indicators of compromise (IOCs) based on file hashes, IPs, or domains. By setting the action to 'Allow' for the specific file hash, the analyst can override the automated block for that trusted application while keeping other malicious files blocked. This is the correct approach because it provides granular control without affecting the overall automated investigation settings.
Key principle: Custom indicators of compromise (IOCs) allow security teams to define specific detection, prevention, or allow rules.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Initiate a live response session and delete the file manually.
Why it's wrong here
Live response allows direct interaction, but deleting the file does not allow it; it removes it. The goal is to allow the file, not delete it.
- ✓
Use the 'Add indicator' feature to create a custom IOC for the file hash with action 'Allow'.
Why this is correct
Adding a custom indicator with action 'Allow' tells Defender to treat that file as clean, overriding automation blocks.
Related concept
Custom indicators of compromise (IOCs) allow security teams to define specific detection, prevention, or allow rules.
- ✗
Change the automated investigation settings to 'No action' and rerun investigation.
Why it's wrong here
Changing global settings affects future investigations, not the current block. It does not allow the specific file.
- ✗
Collect the file for analysis; the allow decision must be made by Microsoft after analysis.
Why it's wrong here
Collecting for analysis is for submission to Microsoft, but it does not immediately allow the file. The analyst can manually allow via indicator.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse the 'Add indicator' feature with manual file deletion or changing global investigation settings, not realizing that a custom IOC with an Allow action is the precise mechanism to override a block for a specific trusted file.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The 'Add indicator' feature uses the Microsoft Defender XDR indicator API to create a custom IOC with a specified action (Allow, Audit, Block, or Warn). When an Allow indicator is created for a file hash, it is evaluated during the threat protection pipeline before automated actions, effectively whitelisting that file. This is particularly useful in scenarios where a legitimate application is falsely flagged by machine learning models or behavioral detections, allowing the analyst to maintain security posture without disrupting business operations.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Custom indicators of compromise (IOCs) allow security teams to define specific detection, prevention, or allow rules.
- IOCs can be created for file hashes, certificates, IP addresses, and URLs.
- An 'Allow' action on a file hash IOC overrides automated blocks for that specific file.
- IOCs provide granular control to manage false positives and fine-tune Defender's behavior.
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
Custom indicators of compromise (IOCs) allow security teams to define specific detection, prevention, or allow rules.
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. Custom indicators of compromise (IOCs) allow security teams to define specific detection, prevention, or allow rules. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review custom indicators of compromise (IOCs) allow security teams to define specific detection, prevention, or allow rules., then practise related SC-200 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
- →
Mitigate threats using Microsoft Defender XDR — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Mitigate threats using Microsoft Defender XDR practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All SC-200 questions
1,639 questions across all exam domains
- →
Microsoft Security Operations Analyst SC-200 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
SC-200 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related SC-200 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Manage a security operations environment practice questions
Practise SC-200 questions linked to Manage a security operations environment.
Respond to security incidents practice questions
Practise SC-200 questions linked to Respond to security incidents.
Perform threat hunting practice questions
Practise SC-200 questions linked to Perform threat hunting.
Mitigate threats using Microsoft Defender XDR practice questions
Practise SC-200 questions linked to Mitigate threats using Microsoft Defender XDR.
Mitigate threats using Microsoft Defender for Cloud practice questions
Practise SC-200 questions linked to Mitigate threats using Microsoft Defender for Cloud.
Mitigate threats using Microsoft Sentinel practice questions
Practise SC-200 questions linked to Mitigate threats using Microsoft Sentinel.
SC-200 fundamentals practice questions
Practise SC-200 questions linked to SC-200 fundamentals.
SC-200 scenario practice questions
Practise SC-200 questions linked to SC-200 scenario.
SC-200 troubleshooting practice questions
Practise SC-200 questions linked to SC-200 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free SC-200 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SC-200 question test?
Mitigate threats using Microsoft Defender XDR — This question tests Mitigate threats using Microsoft Defender XDR — Custom indicators of compromise (IOCs) allow security teams to define specific detection, prevention, or allow rules..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use the 'Add indicator' feature to create a custom IOC for the file hash with action 'Allow'. — The 'Add indicator' feature in Microsoft Defender XDR allows analysts to create custom indicators of compromise (IOCs) based on file hashes, IPs, or domains. By setting the action to 'Allow' for the specific file hash, the analyst can override the automated block for that trusted application while keeping other malicious files blocked. This is the correct approach because it provides granular control without affecting the overall automated investigation settings.
What should I do if I get this SC-200 question wrong?
Review custom indicators of compromise (IOCs) allow security teams to define specific detection, prevention, or allow rules., then practise related SC-200 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Custom indicators of compromise (IOCs) allow security teams to define specific detection, prevention, or allow rules.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Keep practising
More SC-200 practice questions
- An organization uses Microsoft 365 Defender. During an incident, the analyst wants to automatically isolate a compromise…
- A security analyst is preparing to use a Jupyter notebook for threat hunting in Microsoft Sentinel. Which of the followi…
- An organization has enabled enhanced security features for a hybrid infrastructure including SQL servers on-premises and…
- A phishing email was delivered to several users. The analyst wants to find all messages in the campaign, see delivery ac…
- A company uses Microsoft Defender for Cloud and wants to automatically ensure that all Azure virtual machines have a spe…
- A company uses Microsoft Defender for Cloud and wants to automatically remediate non-compliant Azure resources by deploy…
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This SC-200 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SC-200 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.