- A
Create a separate analytics rule that triggers on the same alert and uses a playbook to isolate the device.
Why wrong: Analytics rules generate incidents; they don't directly trigger playbooks on alerts.
- B
Use automatic attack disruption in Microsoft Defender XDR to isolate the device automatically.
Why wrong: Attack disruption acts on high-confidence alerts without manual approval.
- C
Configure an automated response in Defender for Endpoint to isolate the device immediately when an alert is generated.
Why wrong: This bypasses SOC confirmation and could cause unnecessary isolation.
- D
Create an automation rule in Microsoft Sentinel that triggers a playbook with an approval step before executing device isolation.
This ensures human confirmation before taking action.
Quick Answer
The answer is to create an automation rule in Microsoft Sentinel that triggers a playbook with an approval step before executing device isolation. This approach is correct because it combines automated detection with a manual approval gate, ensuring that a SOC analyst confirms the alert as a true positive before the device is isolated from the network. In the SC-200 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how automation rules and playbooks work together to enforce a “human-in-the-loop” workflow, a common requirement for low-priority incidents where immediate isolation could disrupt productivity. A frequent trap is choosing automatic attack disruption, which isolates based on severity without waiting for SOC confirmation, or selecting a separate analytics rule, which cannot perform remediation actions. Remember the key memory tip: “Automate the alert, but approve the action”—the playbook’s approval step is the critical bridge between detection and response.
SC-200 Manage a security operations environment Practice Question
This SC-200 practice question tests your understanding of manage a security operations environment. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Your SOC uses Microsoft Sentinel and Microsoft Defender XDR. An incident is created from a Defender for Endpoint alert about a malware detection on a device. The incident has low priority, but you want to automatically isolate the device from the network if the alert is confirmed as a true positive by the SOC. What is the recommended approach?
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
Create an automation rule in Microsoft Sentinel that triggers a playbook with an approval step before executing device isolation.
Option C is correct because automation rules can trigger a playbook that requires manual approval before isolating the device, ensuring a human confirms the alert. Option A is wrong because immediate isolation without confirmation could impact productivity. Option B is wrong because automatic attack disruption may isolate based on severity but does not wait for SOC confirmation. Option D is wrong because a separate analytics rule cannot isolate devices; it only generates incidents.
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.
- ✗
Create a separate analytics rule that triggers on the same alert and uses a playbook to isolate the device.
Why it's wrong here
Analytics rules generate incidents; they don't directly trigger playbooks on alerts.
- ✗
Use automatic attack disruption in Microsoft Defender XDR to isolate the device automatically.
Why it's wrong here
Attack disruption acts on high-confidence alerts without manual approval.
- ✗
Configure an automated response in Defender for Endpoint to isolate the device immediately when an alert is generated.
Why it's wrong here
This bypasses SOC confirmation and could cause unnecessary isolation.
- ✓
Create an automation rule in Microsoft Sentinel that triggers a playbook with an approval step before executing device isolation.
Why this is correct
This ensures human confirmation before taking action.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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.
- →
Manage a security operations environment — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Manage a security operations environment 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?
Manage a security operations environment — This question tests Manage a security operations environment — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create an automation rule in Microsoft Sentinel that triggers a playbook with an approval step before executing device isolation. — Option C is correct because automation rules can trigger a playbook that requires manual approval before isolating the device, ensuring a human confirms the alert. Option A is wrong because immediate isolation without confirmation could impact productivity. Option B is wrong because automatic attack disruption may isolate based on severity but does not wait for SOC confirmation. Option D is wrong because a separate analytics rule cannot isolate devices; it only generates incidents.
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
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 →
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 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.