The answer is that the user will be blocked only if the third IP is different from the first two. This is correct because the Defender for Cloud Apps activity policy uses the 'DifferentCount' parameter, which tracks the number of distinct IP addresses, not the total number of failed login attempts. When the count of different IPs for failed logins reaches exactly 3 within the 10-minute window, the policy triggers the block action. On the SC-200 exam, this tests your understanding of how activity policies evaluate repeated failures versus distinct sources, a common trap being that test-takers mistakenly think total attempts matter. Remember, the policy counts unique IPs, not repeated logins from the same address. A useful memory tip: think "three different doors, not three knocks on the same door."
SC-200 Respond to security incidents Practice Question
This SC-200 practice question tests your understanding of respond to security incidents. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```json
// Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps policy snippet
{
"policyType": "Activity policy",
"severity": "High",
"description": "Detect multiple failed logins from different IPs",
"filters": {
"activity": "Failed login",
"ip": {
"differentCount": 3,
"timeWindow": 10
}
},
"actions": [
{
"type": "Block",
"target": "User"
}
]
}
```
Refer to the exhibit. An admin creates this activity policy in Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps. What will happen when a user fails to log in from 3 different IP addresses within 10 minutes?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The user will be blocked only if the third IP is different from the first two.
The policy triggers when the count of different IPs for failed logins reaches 3 within 10 minutes. The action is to block the user. 'DifferentCount' means distinct IPs, not total attempts. So exactly 3 different IPs trigger it.
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.
✗
The policy will generate an alert but not block the user.
Why it's wrong here
The actions include 'Block', so it will block.
✗
The user will be blocked immediately after the third failed login from any IP.
Why it's wrong here
The condition is based on different IPs, not total attempts. If all attempts are from the same IP, it won't trigger.
✗
The user will be blocked after 10 minutes regardless of the number of IPs.
Why it's wrong here
The time window is 10 minutes, but the condition requires 3 different IPs within that window.
✓
The user will be blocked only if the third IP is different from the first two.
Why this is correct
The policy requires 3 distinct IP addresses; after the third distinct IP, the user is blocked.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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 cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
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: The user will be blocked only if the third IP is different from the first two. — The policy triggers when the count of different IPs for failed logins reaches 3 within 10 minutes. The action is to block the user. 'DifferentCount' means distinct IPs, not total attempts. So exactly 3 different IPs trigger it.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.