- A
Manually install the Log Analytics agent on each machine and then enable MDE integration
Why wrong: Manual installation is not scalable and does not leverage Defender for Cloud's automation.
- B
Use the Defender for Cloud auto-provisioning feature with the Azure Policy 'Deploy Log Analytics agent' and enable MDE integration
Auto-provisioning automatically deploys the required agents and enables MDE integration on Azure Arc servers via Azure Policy.
- C
Use Azure Arc extensions to install the agents and then configure Defender for Cloud plans
Why wrong: While extensions can install agents, Defender for Cloud auto-provisioning is the recommended method to ensure compliance and automated deployment at scale.
- D
Deploy the agents via Configuration Manager
Why wrong: Configuration Manager is not designed for Azure Arc machines and does not integrate with Defender for Cloud's automated policy enforcement.
SC-200 Practice Question: Mitigate threats using Microsoft Defender for Cloud
This SC-200 practice question tests your understanding of mitigate threats using microsoft defender for cloud. 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: defender for Cloud auto-provisioning uses Azure Policy to deploy agents.. 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.
A security engineer is configuring Microsoft Defender for Cloud in a hybrid environment with on-premises servers connected via Azure Arc. The engineer wants to enable the Defender for Cloud plans for servers (including vulnerability assessment) on all Azure Arc-enabled machines. What is the correct method to deploy the Log Analytics agent (or Azure Monitor Agent) and the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (MDE) integration?
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
Use the Defender for Cloud auto-provisioning feature with the Azure Policy 'Deploy Log Analytics agent' and enable MDE integration
Option B is correct because Defender for Cloud's auto-provisioning feature uses built-in Azure Policy initiatives to automatically deploy the Log Analytics agent (or Azure Monitor Agent) to Azure Arc-enabled machines, and it also enables the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (MDE) integration via the 'Configure machines to receive a vulnerability assessment provider' policy. This ensures consistent, scalable deployment without manual intervention, aligning with the hybrid environment's requirements.
Key principle: Defender for Cloud auto-provisioning uses Azure Policy to deploy agents.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Manually install the Log Analytics agent on each machine and then enable MDE integration
Why it's wrong here
Manual installation is not scalable and does not leverage Defender for Cloud's automation.
- ✓
Use the Defender for Cloud auto-provisioning feature with the Azure Policy 'Deploy Log Analytics agent' and enable MDE integration
Why this is correct
Auto-provisioning automatically deploys the required agents and enables MDE integration on Azure Arc servers via Azure Policy.
Related concept
Defender for Cloud auto-provisioning uses Azure Policy to deploy agents.
- ✗
Use Azure Arc extensions to install the agents and then configure Defender for Cloud plans
Why it's wrong here
While extensions can install agents, Defender for Cloud auto-provisioning is the recommended method to ensure compliance and automated deployment at scale.
- ✗
Deploy the agents via Configuration Manager
Why it's wrong here
Configuration Manager is not designed for Azure Arc machines and does not integrate with Defender for Cloud's automated policy enforcement.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume Azure Arc extensions (Option C) are the primary method for agent deployment, but they overlook that Defender for Cloud's auto-provisioning feature uses Azure Policy to automate both agent installation and MDE integration, which is the recommended and correct approach for hybrid environments.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, Defender for Cloud uses the 'Deploy Log Analytics agent to Linux or Windows Azure Arc machines' built-in policy definition, which is part of the 'Enable Defender for Cloud on your environment' initiative. When auto-provisioning is enabled, this policy evaluates and remediates non-compliant Arc machines by installing the Log Analytics agent and configuring it to report to the Log Analytics workspace associated with Defender for Cloud. The MDE integration is then enabled via the 'Configure Microsoft Defender for Endpoint to be installed on Windows/Linux machines' policy, which deploys the MDE sensor as an extension. A subtle behavior is that the Log Analytics agent must be installed first before MDE can be integrated, as MDE relies on the agent for telemetry forwarding.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Defender for Cloud auto-provisioning uses Azure Policy to deploy agents.
- It automatically deploys the Log Analytics agent (or Azure Monitor Agent) and MDE.
- Auto-provisioning ensures consistent security posture for Azure Arc servers.
- It is the recommended method for onboarding hybrid machines into Defender for Cloud.
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
Defender for Cloud auto-provisioning uses Azure Policy to deploy agents.
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. Defender for Cloud auto-provisioning uses Azure Policy to deploy agents. 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.
Review defender for Cloud auto-provisioning uses Azure Policy to deploy agents., 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?
Mitigate threats using Microsoft Defender for Cloud — This question tests Mitigate threats using Microsoft Defender for Cloud — Defender for Cloud auto-provisioning uses Azure Policy to deploy agents..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use the Defender for Cloud auto-provisioning feature with the Azure Policy 'Deploy Log Analytics agent' and enable MDE integration — Option B is correct because Defender for Cloud's auto-provisioning feature uses built-in Azure Policy initiatives to automatically deploy the Log Analytics agent (or Azure Monitor Agent) to Azure Arc-enabled machines, and it also enables the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (MDE) integration via the 'Configure machines to receive a vulnerability assessment provider' policy. This ensures consistent, scalable deployment without manual intervention, aligning with the hybrid environment's requirements.
What should I do if I get this SC-200 question wrong?
Review defender for Cloud auto-provisioning uses Azure Policy to deploy agents., then practise related SC-200 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Defender for Cloud auto-provisioning uses Azure Policy to deploy agents.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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