- A
Disconnect the network cable of the device.
Why wrong: This is an uncontrolled method and does not preserve forensic data; isolation is better.
- B
Run a full antivirus scan on the device.
Why wrong: A scan may detect malware but does not stop ongoing C2 communication.
- C
Block the C2 server URL in the firewall.
Why wrong: Blocking the URL is good but the device may have other C2 channels; isolation is more comprehensive.
- D
Isolate the device using Microsoft Defender for Endpoint's device isolation feature.
Isolation can be done with a forensic preservation mode, allowing investigation while blocking communication.
Question 29 of 1,639
SC-200 Respond to security incidents Practice Question
This SC-200 practice question tests your understanding of respond to security incidents. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. 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.
A Microsoft Defender for Endpoint alert indicates that a device has been communicating with a known command-and-control (C2) server. The device is critical for production. What is the most appropriate response?
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
✓
Isolate the device using Microsoft Defender for Endpoint's device isolation feature.
Option D is correct because Microsoft Defender for Endpoint's device isolation feature is designed to contain a compromised device while preserving forensic data and minimizing disruption. For a critical production device, full isolation (blocking all network traffic except to the Defender service) stops C2 communication without physically disconnecting the device, allowing the security team to investigate and remediate remotely.
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.
- ✗
Disconnect the network cable of the device.
Why it's wrong here
This is an uncontrolled method and does not preserve forensic data; isolation is better.
- ✗
Run a full antivirus scan on the device.
Why it's wrong here
A scan may detect malware but does not stop ongoing C2 communication.
- ✗
Block the C2 server URL in the firewall.
Why it's wrong here
Blocking the URL is good but the device may have other C2 channels; isolation is more comprehensive.
- ✓
Isolate the device using Microsoft Defender for Endpoint's device isolation feature.
Why this is correct
Isolation can be done with a forensic preservation mode, allowing investigation while blocking communication.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often choose 'Block the C2 server URL in the firewall' (Option C) because it seems like a quick network fix, but they fail to recognize that the device itself is already compromised and must be contained at the endpoint level to prevent lateral movement or data exfiltration.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint's device isolation uses a built-in Windows Filtering Platform (WFP) callout driver to block all inbound and outbound traffic except for a whitelist of Microsoft Defender services (e.g., MDE sensor, Windows Update). This is more surgical than a network-level block because it operates at the OS kernel level, ensuring that even if the attacker has administrative privileges, they cannot disable the isolation without triggering an alert. In a real-world scenario, a critical production server might be isolated while a live response session collects memory dumps and process trees, enabling the SOC to identify the root cause without taking the server offline.
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 healthcare organisation deploys an application with a public-facing web tier and a private database tier. The database subnet has no public IP and only accepts connections from the web tier's security group. Questions like this test whether you can design cloud network isolation using VNets/VPCs, subnets, and security group rules.
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: Isolate the device using Microsoft Defender for Endpoint's device isolation feature. — Option D is correct because Microsoft Defender for Endpoint's device isolation feature is designed to contain a compromised device while preserving forensic data and minimizing disruption. For a critical production device, full isolation (blocking all network traffic except to the Defender service) stops C2 communication without physically disconnecting the device, allowing the security team to investigate and remediate remotely.
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
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