The answer is directory replication requests from non-domain controller accounts and Event 4662 with the DS-Replication-Get-Changes access right. These two indicators are the hallmark of a DCSync attack because the attack exploits the domain replication protocol, which only domain controllers should legitimately initiate. When a non-domain controller account, such as a compromised standard user or service account, requests replication, it signals an adversary attempting to impersonate a domain controller to extract password hashes. On the SC-200 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish DCSync artifacts from other noisy events; a common trap is confusing Event 4769 (Kerberos service ticket requests) or logon failures with replication activity. Remember that DCSync is about replication, not authentication—so focus on the DS-Replication-Get-Changes GUID (1131f6ad-9c07-11d1-f79f-00c04fc2dcd2) and the source account’s lack of domain controller status. A useful memory tip: “Non-DC replication equals DCSync, and 4662 with Get-Changes is the smoking gun.”
SC-200 Perform threat hunting Practice Question
This SC-200 practice question tests your understanding of perform threat hunting. 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.
Which TWO of the following are key indicators of a potential DCSync attack that a threat hunter should look for in Microsoft Sentinel? (Select two.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Event ID 4662 with access mask for DS-Replication-Get-Changes
Options A and D are correct. A: Replication from a non-DC indicates DCSync. D: Event 4662 with DS-Replication-Get-Changes is characteristic. B is for Kerberos. C is for account creation. E is for logon failure.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Failed logon attempts from a single IP
Why it's wrong here
Brute force, not DCSync.
✗
A new user account created with domain admin privileges
Why it's wrong here
Privilege escalation, not DCSync.
✓
Event ID 4662 with access mask for DS-Replication-Get-Changes
Why this is correct
Direct indicator of replication request.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Multiple Kerberos ticket requests from a single user
Why it's wrong here
More indicative of Kerberoasting.
✓
Directory replication requests from non-domain controller accounts
Why this is correct
DCSync uses replication from non-DC.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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 Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SC-200 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Perform threat hunting — This question tests Perform threat hunting — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Event ID 4662 with access mask for DS-Replication-Get-Changes — Options A and D are correct. A: Replication from a non-DC indicates DCSync. D: Event 4662 with DS-Replication-Get-Changes is characteristic. B is for Kerberos. C is for account creation. E is for logon failure.
What should I do if I get this SC-200 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SC-200 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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