The correct answer is to assign a built-in Azure Policy initiative that deploys Microsoft Defender for Cloud configuration to subscriptions. This works because Azure Policy can evaluate and remediate non-compliant resources at scale, and the built-in initiative specifically targets the Defender for Cloud (CSPM) plan, automatically enabling it on any new subscription as soon as it is created. On the SC-200 exam, this question tests your understanding of governance at scale versus manual configuration; the common trap is confusing Defender for Cloud’s automatic provisioning with Azure Arc onboarding or Sentinel workspace setup. Remember that Azure Policy is the only mechanism that enforces compliance across new subscriptions without manual intervention. Memory tip: think “Policy for Posture” — if you need to enforce a security baseline automatically on new subscriptions, Azure Policy is your go-to tool, not a manual toggle or a different Azure service.
SC-200 Manage a security operations environment 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. 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 organization uses Microsoft Defender for Cloud to assess security posture. You need to ensure that any new Azure subscription automatically has Microsoft Defender for Cloud enabled with the 'Defender for Cloud (CSPM)' plan active. What should you do?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Assign a built-in Azure Policy initiative that deploys Microsoft Defender for Cloud configuration to subscriptions.
Option D is correct because Azure Policy can be used to enforce that Defender for Cloud is enabled on subscriptions. Specifically, the built-in policy 'Configure Azure Defender to be enabled on SQL Servers' but for general CSPM you need custom or built-in 'Deploy Microsoft Defender for Cloud configuration'. Option A is manual. Option B is for on-boarding to Sentinel. Option C is for Azure Arc, not subscriptions.
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 an automation account that runs a PowerShell script daily to check and enable Defender for Cloud.
Why it's wrong here
Not automatic; requires scheduled run.
✗
Configure Azure Arc to enforce the plan on new subscriptions.
Why it's wrong here
Azure Arc is for hybrid/multi-cloud, not subscriptions.
✓
Assign a built-in Azure Policy initiative that deploys Microsoft Defender for Cloud configuration to subscriptions.
Why this is correct
Azure Policy can auto-deploy and configure Defender for Cloud on new subscriptions.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use Microsoft Sentinel's 'Subscription Migration' playbook.
Why it's wrong here
This is for migrating Sentinel, not Defender for Cloud.
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 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. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
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.
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: Assign a built-in Azure Policy initiative that deploys Microsoft Defender for Cloud configuration to subscriptions. — Option D is correct because Azure Policy can be used to enforce that Defender for Cloud is enabled on subscriptions. Specifically, the built-in policy 'Configure Azure Defender to be enabled on SQL Servers' but for general CSPM you need custom or built-in 'Deploy Microsoft Defender for Cloud configuration'. Option A is manual. Option B is for on-boarding to Sentinel. Option C is for Azure Arc, not subscriptions.
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.
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Question Discussion
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