- A
Remove the user's permissions to the SharePoint sites.
Why wrong: Removing the user's permissions to SharePoint sites would disrupt their work and likely require board approval for a senior executive. It also may not stop ongoing deletion if the user is a site owner.
- B
Block the user's access in Microsoft Entra ID temporarily.
Why wrong: Blocking the user's access in Microsoft Entra ID is disruptive and would require board approval for a senior executive. It also does not preserve data already deleted.
- C
Apply a retention hold to the user's OneDrive and SharePoint sites.
Applying a retention hold to the user's OneDrive and SharePoint sites preserves all data, even if the user continues to delete, without affecting their access. This is the best immediate action.
- D
Create a DLP policy to block deletion of files.
Why wrong: Creating a DLP policy can prevent future deletions but does not stop current deletion activity. It also takes time to apply and may not be immediate.
SC-200 Retention hold 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. A key principle to apply: retention hold. 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.
Fabrikam uses Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Defender XDR, and Microsoft Purview Compliance Manager. An incident is generated: 'Insider risk - user deleting large volumes of files from SharePoint Online.' The incident is from Microsoft Purview Insider Risk Management. The user is a senior executive, and disabling the account is not an option without board approval. You need to contain the data deletion. Which of the following is the BEST immediate action?
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
Apply a retention hold to the user's OneDrive and SharePoint sites.
Option C is the best immediate action because applying a retention hold to the user's OneDrive and SharePoint sites preserves the data from deletion without affecting the user's access, which is important for a senior executive. Option A is incorrect: removing permissions may not stop deletion if the user is the owner, and it disrupts work. Option B is incorrect: blocking access in Entra ID disrupts work and may require board approval. Option D is incorrect: creating a DLP policy does not stop current deletion, only prevents future occurrences.
Key principle: Retention hold
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Remove the user's permissions to the SharePoint sites.
Why it's wrong here
Removing the user's permissions to SharePoint sites would disrupt their work and likely require board approval for a senior executive. It also may not stop ongoing deletion if the user is a site owner.
- ✗
Block the user's access in Microsoft Entra ID temporarily.
Why it's wrong here
Blocking the user's access in Microsoft Entra ID is disruptive and would require board approval for a senior executive. It also does not preserve data already deleted.
- ✓
Apply a retention hold to the user's OneDrive and SharePoint sites.
Why this is correct
Applying a retention hold to the user's OneDrive and SharePoint sites preserves all data, even if the user continues to delete, without affecting their access. This is the best immediate action.
Related concept
Retention hold
- ✗
Create a DLP policy to block deletion of files.
Why it's wrong here
Creating a DLP policy can prevent future deletions but does not stop current deletion activity. It also takes time to apply and may not be immediate.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Candidates may mistakenly choose DLP policy (option D) thinking it stops deletion immediately, but it only applies to future actions. The immediate containment requires preserving data that is already being deleted.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Treat this as a scenario question. Identify the problem, the constraint, and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Retention hold
- Insider Risk Management
- Containment
- SharePoint Online
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
Retention hold
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review retention hold, 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?
Respond to security incidents — This question tests Respond to security incidents — Retention hold.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Apply a retention hold to the user's OneDrive and SharePoint sites. — Option C is the best immediate action because applying a retention hold to the user's OneDrive and SharePoint sites preserves the data from deletion without affecting the user's access, which is important for a senior executive. Option A is incorrect: removing permissions may not stop deletion if the user is the owner, and it disrupts work. Option B is incorrect: blocking access in Entra ID disrupts work and may require board approval. Option D is incorrect: creating a DLP policy does not stop current deletion, only prevents future occurrences.
What should I do if I get this SC-200 question wrong?
Review retention hold, then practise related SC-200 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Retention hold
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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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