The answer is isolating the device from the network and running a full antivirus scan. These two response actions are available directly within the Microsoft 365 Defender portal because Defender for Endpoint is designed for immediate, built-in containment and remediation of compromised devices, while actions like password resets or device wipes belong to separate services like Microsoft Entra ID or Intune. On the SC-200 exam, this question tests your understanding of the boundaries between security response tools—a common trap is confusing Defender’s native capabilities with those of identity or mobile device management platforms. Remember that Defender for Endpoint focuses on the device’s security posture and threat response, not user account management or full device lifecycle control. A helpful memory tip: think “network and scan” for the two direct actions—isolate to cut the threat, then scan to clean it.
SC-200 Manage a security operations environment Practice Question
This SC-200 practice question tests your understanding of manage a security operations environment. 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.
You are managing Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. Which TWO actions can be taken directly from the Microsoft 365 Defender portal to respond to a compromised device?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Run a full antivirus scan on the device.
Option A and C are correct. From the Defender for Endpoint portal, you can isolate a device (A) and run a full antivirus scan (C). Option B is wrong because you cannot reset a device's password from Defender for Endpoint; that is done via Microsoft Entra ID. Option D is wrong because you cannot remotely wipe a device (Intune). Option E is wrong because you cannot block a user's sign-in from Defender for Endpoint (Entra ID).
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.
✓
Run a full antivirus scan on the device.
Why this is correct
Running a scan is a supported response action.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Block the user's sign-in from Microsoft Entra ID.
Why it's wrong here
Blocking sign-in is done in Entra ID, not Defender for Endpoint.
✗
Remotely wipe the device.
Why it's wrong here
Remote wipe is an Intune action.
✓
Isolate the device from the network.
Why this is correct
Device isolation is a response action in Defender for Endpoint.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Reset the device's local administrator password.
Why it's wrong here
Password reset is not available in Defender for Endpoint.
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 healthcare organisation deploys an application with a public-facing web tier and a private database tier. The database subnet has no public IP and only accepts connections from the web tier's security group. Questions like this test whether you can design cloud network isolation using VNets/VPCs, subnets, and security group rules.
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.
Manage a security operations environment — This question tests Manage a security operations environment — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Run a full antivirus scan on the device. — Option A and C are correct. From the Defender for Endpoint portal, you can isolate a device (A) and run a full antivirus scan (C). Option B is wrong because you cannot reset a device's password from Defender for Endpoint; that is done via Microsoft Entra ID. Option D is wrong because you cannot remotely wipe a device (Intune). Option E is wrong because you cannot block a user's sign-in from Defender for Endpoint (Entra ID).
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.
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Question Discussion
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