The answer is DeviceProcessEvents where ProcessCommandLine contains 'mimikatz'. This query is correct because Mimikatz operates as a running process that performs credential dumping from LSASS memory, and DeviceProcessEvents captures every process creation event on endpoints, making it the most direct log source for detecting the tool’s execution. On the Microsoft Security Operations Analyst SC-200 exam, this question tests your ability to match the hunting objective—credential dumping—with the appropriate advanced hunting table; a common trap is choosing FileCreationEvents or RegistryEvents, which track persistence or file drops rather than the actual in-memory attack. Remember that Mimikatz is a process, so always start with DeviceProcessEvents when hunting for it. A useful memory tip: “Mimikatz runs, so watch the runs”—focus on process command lines, not files or network events.
SC-200 Perform threat hunting Practice Question
This SC-200 practice question tests your understanding of perform threat hunting. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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 security analyst is hunting for signs of credential dumping using Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. Which advanced hunting query should the analyst use to detect the use of Mimikatz?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
DeviceProcessEvents where ProcessCommandLine contains 'mimikatz'
Option C is correct because DeviceProcessEvents records process creation events, and Mimikatz often appears as a process. Option A is wrong because network events are not directly related to local credential dumping. Option B is wrong because registry events may show persistence but not the dumping itself. Option D is wrong because file creation events are less direct for process-based tools.
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.
✗
DeviceRegistryEvents where RegistryKey contains 'mimikatz'
Why it's wrong here
Mimikatz may not write registry keys.
✓
DeviceProcessEvents where ProcessCommandLine contains 'mimikatz'
Why this is correct
Mimikatz is typically executed as a process with command-line arguments that include the tool name.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
DeviceFileEvents where FileName contains 'mimikatz'
Why it's wrong here
File events might show the binary but process events are more direct for execution.
✗
DeviceNetworkEvents where RemoteIP contains 'mimikatz'
Why it's wrong here
Mimikatz does not necessarily generate network events with that string.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
File events might show the binary but process events are more direct for execution.
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.
Perform threat hunting — This question tests Perform threat hunting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: DeviceProcessEvents where ProcessCommandLine contains 'mimikatz' — Option C is correct because DeviceProcessEvents records process creation events, and Mimikatz often appears as a process. Option A is wrong because network events are not directly related to local credential dumping. Option B is wrong because registry events may show persistence but not the dumping itself. Option D is wrong because file creation events are less direct for process-based tools.
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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