Quick Answer
The answer is the DeviceFileEvents table. This is the correct starting point for investigating potential data exfiltration via large file transfers because this table specifically captures file creation, modification, and deletion events on endpoints, making it the ideal source for identifying when a user copies or creates a large file—such as a compressed archive or database backup—that is then sent outbound. On the Microsoft Security Operations Analyst SC-200 exam, this question tests your ability to match the correct advanced hunting table to the specific telemetry needed; a common trap is to jump to DeviceNetworkEvents for network connections, but that table shows the network flow itself, not the file activity that precedes it. Remember, you need to see the file being staged before it leaves the network. A useful memory tip is "Files first, network second"—always check DeviceFileEvents for the creation or copy of a large file before looking at DeviceNetworkEvents for the actual outbound connection.
This SC-200 practice question tests your understanding of perform threat hunting. 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 threat hunter wants to investigate a potential data exfiltration event involving large outbound file transfers to an unusual external IP. Which Microsoft Defender XDR advanced hunting table is most appropriate to start the investigation?
DeviceNetworkEvents
Why wrong: Shows network connections but not the size or nature of the data transferred.
DeviceProcessEvents
Why wrong: Shows process creation, not file transfers.
IdentityDirectoryEvents
Why wrong: Shows identity-related events, not file transfers.
DeviceFileEvents
Can show large file creation or modification events that might indicate exfiltration.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
DeviceFileEvents
Option B is correct because DeviceFileEvents shows file creation and modification events, which can indicate large file copies. Option A is wrong because DeviceNetworkEvents shows network connections, not file transfers. Option C is wrong because DeviceProcessEvents shows process creation, not file transfers. Option D is wrong because IdentityDirectoryEvents shows identity events, not file transfers.
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.
DeviceNetworkEvents
Why it's wrong here
Shows network connections but not the size or nature of the data transferred.
DeviceProcessEvents
Why it's wrong here
Shows process creation, not file transfers.
IdentityDirectoryEvents
Why it's wrong here
Shows identity-related events, not file transfers.
DeviceFileEvents
Why this is correct
Can show large file creation or modification events that might indicate exfiltration.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows network connections but not the size or nature of the data transferred.
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
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
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
Perform threat hunting — This question tests Perform threat hunting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: DeviceFileEvents — Option B is correct because DeviceFileEvents shows file creation and modification events, which can indicate large file copies. Option A is wrong because DeviceNetworkEvents shows network connections, not file transfers. Option C is wrong because DeviceProcessEvents shows process creation, not file transfers. Option D is wrong because IdentityDirectoryEvents shows identity events, not file transfers.
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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