Quick Answer
The correct answer is to stop the VM using an automation rule and apply a network security group (NSG) via a playbook, as these are the two immediate containment actions for a compromised Azure VM in Microsoft Sentinel. Stopping the VM halts all malicious processes at the source, while applying an NSG blocks inbound and outbound traffic to isolate the VM from the network, both of which prevent further lateral movement or data exfiltration. On the SC-200 exam, this question tests your understanding of automated incident response within Sentinel’s SOAR capabilities, often appearing as a scenario where you must distinguish between true containment and remediation steps. A common trap is selecting password reset or backup initiation, which are recovery actions, not containment—they do not stop active threats. Remember the mnemonic “Stop and Block” to recall that containment in Sentinel always involves halting the VM or isolating its network traffic first.
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.
Which TWO are immediate containment actions in Microsoft Sentinel for a compromised Azure VM? (Choose two.)
Install anti-malware extension
Why wrong: Does not contain an active compromise.
Apply an NSG to block all inbound and outbound traffic
NSG blocks network communication immediately.
Reset the VM administrator password
Why wrong: Password reset does not stop malware.
Initiate a VM backup
Why wrong: Backup is not a containment action.
Stop the VM using an automation rule
Stopping the VM halts all activity.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Apply an NSG to block all inbound and outbound traffic
Option A is correct: Applying a network security group (NSG) to block traffic can be automated via playbook. Option C is correct: Stopping the VM prevents further malicious activity. Option B is wrong because VM extensions may not stop the attack. Option D is wrong because resetting password does not stop processes. Option E is wrong because initiating backup is not containment.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Install anti-malware extension
Why it's wrong here
Does not contain an active compromise.
Apply an NSG to block all inbound and outbound traffic
Why this is correct
NSG blocks network communication immediately.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Reset the VM administrator password
Why it's wrong here
Password reset does not stop malware.
Initiate a VM backup
Why it's wrong here
Backup is not a containment action.
Stop the VM using an automation rule
Why this is correct
Stopping the VM halts all activity.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
An e-commerce site experiences heavy traffic on Black Friday and near-zero traffic during off-peak weeks. Rather than provisioning permanent large VMs, the team uses auto-scaling groups that add capacity automatically under load and reduce it overnight. Questions like this test whether you understand elasticity, availability zones, and cloud compute scaling patterns.
What to study next
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.
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FAQ
Respond to security incidents — This question tests Respond to security incidents — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Apply an NSG to block all inbound and outbound traffic — Option A is correct: Applying a network security group (NSG) to block traffic can be automated via playbook. Option C is correct: Stopping the VM prevents further malicious activity. Option B is wrong because VM extensions may not stop the attack. Option D is wrong because resetting password does not stop processes. Option E is wrong because initiating backup is not containment.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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.
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