The correct answer is applying anomaly detection models to user behavior and searching for known indicators of compromise, as these are the two foundational techniques used in threat hunting to identify suspicious behavior within Microsoft Defender XDR. Anomaly detection works by establishing a baseline of normal user or entity behavior and then flagging deviations, such as unusual login times or data access patterns, which often signal stealthy attacks. Indicator of compromise (IOC) searching, on the other hand, is a reactive but essential method that matches observed activity against known malicious artifacts like file hashes, IP addresses, or domain names. On the SC-200 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish active hunting methods from routine security maintenance tasks; a common trap is confusing vulnerability scanning or patch management with hunting, but remember that hunting is proactive and analytical, not administrative. For a quick memory tip, think of the phrase “Baseline and Badlist” — anomaly detection checks for deviations from a baseline, while IOC searching checks against a badlist of known threats.
SC-200 Perform threat hunting Practice Question
This SC-200 practice question tests your understanding of perform threat hunting. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Which TWO are common techniques used during threat hunting to identify suspicious behavior in Microsoft Defender XDR?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Searching for known indicators of compromise (IOCs).
Options B and D are correct. B is correct because anomaly detection is a common hunting technique. D is correct because searching for known IOCs (indicators of compromise) is fundamental. A is incorrect because vulnerability scanning is not a hunting technique. C is incorrect because patch management is a maintenance activity. E is incorrect because configuring mail flow is administrative.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Updating antivirus signatures.
Why it's wrong here
Signature updates are maintenance.
✓
Searching for known indicators of compromise (IOCs).
Why this is correct
IOC search is a core hunting technique.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✓
Applying anomaly detection models to user behavior.
Why this is correct
Anomaly detection helps find suspicious patterns.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Configuring mail flow rules in Exchange Online.
Why it's wrong here
Mail flow rules are administrative.
✗
Performing vulnerability scans on endpoints.
Why it's wrong here
Vulnerability scanning is separate from hunting.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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. NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated. 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.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related SC-200 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Perform threat hunting — This question tests Perform threat hunting — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Searching for known indicators of compromise (IOCs). — Options B and D are correct. B is correct because anomaly detection is a common hunting technique. D is correct because searching for known IOCs (indicators of compromise) is fundamental. A is incorrect because vulnerability scanning is not a hunting technique. C is incorrect because patch management is a maintenance activity. E is incorrect because configuring mail flow is administrative.
What should I do if I get this SC-200 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related SC-200 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Question Discussion
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