The correct actions are to block the compromised user account in Microsoft Entra ID and disconnect the on-premises Exchange server from the network. Blocking the account immediately revokes authentication tokens and prevents the attacker from using that identity to access cloud or hybrid resources, while disconnecting the server physically or logically stops lateral movement and further data exfiltration from the compromised host. On the SC-200 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish containment from remediation or investigation—a common trap is selecting “run a full scan” or “collect an investigation package,” which are post-containment steps. Remember that containment is about stopping the bleed, not cleaning the wound. A useful memory tip is “Block and Break”—block the account in Entra ID, break the network connection to the Exchange server.
SC-200 Respond to security incidents Practice Question
This SC-200 practice question tests your understanding of respond to security incidents. 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.
Your organization is responding to a security incident in Microsoft Defender XDR. You need to contain a compromised on-premises Exchange server. Which TWO actions are appropriate? (Choose two.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Disconnect the server from the network.
Options A and C are correct. Blocking the compromised account prevents further access, and disconnecting the server from the network contains the threat. Option B (Running full scan) is a remediation step, not containment. Option D (Collecting investigation package) is evidence collection. Option E (Updating antivirus) is not immediate containment.
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 server from the network.
Why this is correct
Disconnecting isolates the server.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Collect an investigation package from the server.
Why it's wrong here
Collection is for evidence, not containment.
✓
Block the compromised user account in Microsoft Entra ID.
Why this is correct
Blocking the account stops malicious access.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Update the antivirus definitions on the server.
Why it's wrong here
Updating is proactive, not immediate containment.
✗
Run a full antivirus scan on the server.
Why it's wrong here
Scanning is not containment; it may take time.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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
How to think about this question
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.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this SC-200 question in full detail.
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.
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: Disconnect the server from the network. — Options A and C are correct. Blocking the compromised account prevents further access, and disconnecting the server from the network contains the threat. Option B (Running full scan) is a remediation step, not containment. Option D (Collecting investigation package) is evidence collection. Option E (Updating antivirus) is not immediate containment.
What should I do if I get this SC-200 question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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