- 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.
SC-200 Add indicator 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: add indicator. 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: Add indicator
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
Add indicator
- ✗
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
- Add indicator
- Allow action IOC
- File hash indicator
- Granular override
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
Add indicator
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. Add indicator 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 add indicator, then practise related SC-200 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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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 — Add indicator.
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 add indicator, then practise related SC-200 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Add indicator
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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