- A
Enable blocking of all potentially unwanted applications in the antivirus policy.
Why wrong: This may block legitimate software classified as PUA.
- B
Reset the device to its factory settings.
Why wrong: Resetting is too extreme and does not prevent reinstallation.
- C
Create a custom indicator of compromise (IoC) to block the specific file's hash.
Custom indicators allow precise blocking based on file hash.
- D
Run a full scan on the device to remove the PUA.
Why wrong: Scanning removes the current installation but does not prevent future ones.
Question 1 of 1,639
Block a Specific PUA Using Custom Indicator of Compromise
This SC-200 practice question tests your understanding of respond to security incidents. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 XDR. You receive an alert about a potentially unwanted application (PUA) being installed on a device. The PUA is not blocked by your current policy. You need to prevent future installations of this PUA without affecting other software. What should you do?
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 a custom indicator of compromise (IoC) to block the specific file's hash.
Option C is correct because creating a custom indicator of compromise (IoC) with the specific file hash allows you to block only that exact PUA file without affecting other software. This leverages Microsoft Defender for Endpoint's custom IoC capability to override the default PUA detection policy, targeting the specific file hash rather than enabling a broad block on all PUAs.
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.
- ✗
Enable blocking of all potentially unwanted applications in the antivirus policy.
Why it's wrong here
This may block legitimate software classified as PUA.
- ✗
Reset the device to its factory settings.
Why it's wrong here
Resetting is too extreme and does not prevent reinstallation.
- ✓
Create a custom indicator of compromise (IoC) to block the specific file's hash.
Why this is correct
Custom indicators allow precise blocking based on file hash.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Run a full scan on the device to remove the PUA.
Why it's wrong here
Scanning removes the current installation but does not prevent future ones.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may choose Option A, thinking that enabling PUA blocking is the simplest solution, but they overlook the requirement to avoid affecting other software, which makes the broad policy change inappropriate.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Custom IoCs in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint support SHA-256 file hashes, allowing you to block, allow, or warn on specific files. When you create a block IoC with the PUA's hash, the defender engine will prevent execution and installation of that exact file across all devices in the organization, regardless of the antivirus policy's PUA detection setting. This approach is commonly used for targeted blocking of known malware or unwanted software without altering broader policies.
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.
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
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SC-200 question test?
Respond to security incidents — This question tests Respond to security incidents — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a custom indicator of compromise (IoC) to block the specific file's hash. — Option C is correct because creating a custom indicator of compromise (IoC) with the specific file hash allows you to block only that exact PUA file without affecting other software. This leverages Microsoft Defender for Endpoint's custom IoC capability to override the default PUA detection policy, targeting the specific file hash rather than enabling a broad block on all PUAs.
What should I do if I get this SC-200 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 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.
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