- A
Switch the Log Analytics workspace to Basic Logs tier for the Sentinel tables.
Why wrong: Switching to Basic Logs tier reduces ingestion costs but does not archive logs. Logs remain in the workspace with limited query capabilities and shorter default retention.
- B
Configure a lifecycle management policy in Azure Storage to transition logs to the archive tier after the retention period.
Configuring a lifecycle management policy in Azure Storage transitions older logs to the archive tier after the retention period, achieving cost-effective long-term retention.
- C
Reduce the workspace retention period from 90 days to 30 days.
Why wrong: Reducing the workspace retention period deletes logs after the new retention, not archive them. This may lead to data loss.
- D
Create a Data Collection Rule to filter out logs before ingestion.
Why wrong: Data Collection Rules filter logs before ingestion, reducing volume but not archiving existing logs or older data.
SC-200 Azure Sentinel cost optimization Practice Question
This SC-200 practice question tests your understanding of manage a security operations environment. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. A key principle to apply: azure Sentinel cost optimization. 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.
Your organization uses Microsoft Sentinel with a pay-as-you-go pricing tier. You need to reduce costs by archiving older logs that are rarely accessed. Which action should you take?
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
Configure a lifecycle management policy in Azure Storage to transition logs to the archive tier after the retention period.
Option B is correct. To archive old logs that are rarely accessed, you should configure a lifecycle management policy in Azure Storage associated with your Log Analytics workspace. This policy can transition logs to the archive tier after the workspace's retention period ends, reducing storage costs while keeping data available for compliance. Option A (Basic Logs) reduces ingestion costs but does not archive logs; it still retains logs in an accessible but limited query state. Option C (reducing retention) would delete logs after 30 days, not archive them. Option D (Data Collection Rule) filters logs before ingestion, which reduces volume but does not archive existing logs.
Key principle: Azure Sentinel cost optimization
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Switch the Log Analytics workspace to Basic Logs tier for the Sentinel tables.
Why it's wrong here
Switching to Basic Logs tier reduces ingestion costs but does not archive logs. Logs remain in the workspace with limited query capabilities and shorter default retention.
- ✓
Configure a lifecycle management policy in Azure Storage to transition logs to the archive tier after the retention period.
Why this is correct
Configuring a lifecycle management policy in Azure Storage transitions older logs to the archive tier after the retention period, achieving cost-effective long-term retention.
Related concept
Azure Sentinel cost optimization
- ✗
Reduce the workspace retention period from 90 days to 30 days.
Why it's wrong here
Reducing the workspace retention period deletes logs after the new retention, not archive them. This may lead to data loss.
- ✗
Create a Data Collection Rule to filter out logs before ingestion.
Why it's wrong here
Data Collection Rules filter logs before ingestion, reducing volume but not archiving existing logs or older data.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Candidates often confuse 'Basic Logs' with 'archiving'. Basic Logs are still stored in the workspace and can be queried (with extra cost), whereas archiving moves logs to Azure Storage's archive tier, which is cheaper but requires restore to query.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Treat this as a scenario question. Identify the problem, the constraint, and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Azure Sentinel cost optimization
- Log Analytics workspace retention and archive
- Azure Storage archive tier
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
Azure Sentinel cost optimization
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review azure Sentinel cost optimization, 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?
Manage a security operations environment — This question tests Manage a security operations environment — Azure Sentinel cost optimization.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure a lifecycle management policy in Azure Storage to transition logs to the archive tier after the retention period. — Option B is correct. To archive old logs that are rarely accessed, you should configure a lifecycle management policy in Azure Storage associated with your Log Analytics workspace. This policy can transition logs to the archive tier after the workspace's retention period ends, reducing storage costs while keeping data available for compliance. Option A (Basic Logs) reduces ingestion costs but does not archive logs; it still retains logs in an accessible but limited query state. Option C (reducing retention) would delete logs after 30 days, not archive them. Option D (Data Collection Rule) filters logs before ingestion, which reduces volume but does not archive existing logs.
What should I do if I get this SC-200 question wrong?
Review azure Sentinel cost optimization, then practise related SC-200 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Azure Sentinel cost optimization
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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