The answer is to disable the account that initiated the suspicious replication request. This is the most effective immediate action because the DCSync attack technique exploits domain replication permissions to request password hashes from a domain controller, and disabling the compromised account instantly revokes its ability to make those replication requests. On the Microsoft Security Operations Analyst SC-200 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how Microsoft Defender for Identity detects anomalous LDAP queries and your ability to prioritize containment over remediation. A common trap is to reset the krbtgt password, but that is a long-term step, not an immediate containment action. Remember the memory tip: “Disable the source, not the service” — stop the attacker’s account, not the domain controller or LDAP protocol.
SC-200 Respond to security incidents Practice Question
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.
Your organization uses Microsoft Defender for Identity and Microsoft Defender XDR. You receive an alert about a suspicious LDAP query originating from a domain controller. The alert indicates potential use of the DCSync attack technique. What is the most effective immediate action to contain the attack?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Disable the account that initiated the suspicious replication request.
The DCSync attack uses replication requests to extract credentials. Disabling the replication permission for the compromised account stops the attack. Option A is incorrect because restarting the domain controller does not stop the attack if the account still has permissions. Option B is incorrect because resetting the krbtgt password is a long-term remediation. Option C is incorrect because blocking LDAP may disrupt legitimate operations.
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.
✗
Block all LDAP traffic at the firewall.
Why it's wrong here
Blocking LDAP may break legitimate directory services.
✗
Restart the domain controller to clear any malicious processes.
Why it's wrong here
Restarting does not revoke the account's replication rights.
✓
Disable the account that initiated the suspicious replication request.
Why this is correct
Disabling the account stops the attack by removing the ability to replicate.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Reset the krbtgt account password twice.
Why it's wrong here
This is a remediation step after containment, not immediate.
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 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.
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.
Respond to security incidents — This question tests Respond to security incidents — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Disable the account that initiated the suspicious replication request. — The DCSync attack uses replication requests to extract credentials. Disabling the replication permission for the compromised account stops the attack. Option A is incorrect because restarting the domain controller does not stop the attack if the account still has permissions. Option B is incorrect because resetting the krbtgt password is a long-term remediation. Option C is incorrect because blocking LDAP may disrupt legitimate operations.
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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