Quick Answer
The answer is the PowerShellCommand action type. This is correct because Microsoft Defender for Endpoint’s DeviceEvents table captures the execution context of PowerShell scripts, including the command line and script block content, specifically under the PowerShellCommand action type when a script downloads and executes a payload from a remote server. On the SC-200 exam, this tests your ability to distinguish between process-level events and script-level telemetry; a common trap is choosing ProcessCreated, which only logs the PowerShell.exe launch, not the script’s download-and-execute logic. Remember that PowerShellCommand captures what the script does, while other action types capture only the side effects. A helpful memory tip: think “PowerShellCommand = script content, not just process start.”
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.
During a threat hunt, you discover a PowerShell script that downloads and executes a payload from a remote server. Which Microsoft Defender for Endpoint action type would most likely capture this behavior in DeviceEvents?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
PowerShellCommand
Captures PowerShell script commands and execution.
ProcessCreated
Why wrong: Shows process creation, but not script content.
FileCreated
Why wrong: Shows file creation, not the execution.
NetworkConnection
Why wrong: Shows network connection, not script execution.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
PowerShellCommand
Option D is correct because PowerShell commands that download and execute scripts are typically logged as 'PowerShellCommand' in DeviceEvents. Option A is incorrect because 'ProcessCreated' would show the PowerShell process creation but not the script content. Option B is incorrect because 'FileCreated' would show the payload file but not the download execution. Option C is incorrect because 'NetworkConnection' would show the connection but not the script execution.
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.
PowerShellCommand
Why this is correct
Captures PowerShell script commands and execution.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
ProcessCreated
Why it's wrong here
Shows process creation, but not script content.
FileCreated
Why it's wrong here
Shows file creation, not the execution.
NetworkConnection
Why it's wrong here
Shows network connection, not script execution.
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 process creation, but not script content.
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 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.
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: PowerShellCommand — Option D is correct because PowerShell commands that download and execute scripts are typically logged as 'PowerShellCommand' in DeviceEvents. Option A is incorrect because 'ProcessCreated' would show the PowerShell process creation but not the script content. Option B is incorrect because 'FileCreated' would show the payload file but not the download execution. Option C is incorrect because 'NetworkConnection' would show the connection but not the script execution.
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.
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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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