DC SMB Connections — Normal Group Policy Operations
This SC-200 practice question tests your understanding of perform threat hunting. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
```kusto
// KQL query in Microsoft Sentinel hunting
DeviceNetworkEvents
| where Timestamp > ago(7d)
| where RemotePort == 445
| summarize TotalConnections = count() by DeviceName, RemoteIP
| where TotalConnections > 100
| project DeviceName, RemoteIP, TotalConnections
```
A threat hunter runs this KQL query to find devices making many outbound SMB connections. The result shows a device 'DC01' connecting to over 100 different IPs on port 445. What is the most likely explanation?
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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```kusto
// KQL query in Microsoft Sentinel hunting
DeviceNetworkEvents
| where Timestamp > ago(7d)
| where RemotePort == 445
| summarize TotalConnections = count() by DeviceName, RemoteIP
| where TotalConnections > 100
| project DeviceName, RemoteIP, TotalConnections
```
A
DC01 is exfiltrating data via SMB
Why wrong: Data exfiltration via SMB is uncommon and would not target many IPs.
B
DC01 is scanning the network for open SMB shares
Why wrong: Less likely for a DC; scanning is more suspicious.
C
DC01 is compromised and spreading malware
Why wrong: Possible but not the most likely explanation for a DC.
D
DC01 is performing normal domain operations like Group Policy distribution
Domain controllers commonly connect to many clients via SMB for management.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
DC01 is performing normal domain operations like Group Policy distribution
A domain controller (DC01) making many outbound SMB connections to unique IPs is typical for normal activity such as Group Policy distribution and logon scripts. Option D correctly identifies this as normal domain operations. Option A (data exfiltration) is unlikely because SMB is not commonly used for exfiltration. Option B (network scanning) is possible but less likely for a DC under normal circumstances. Option C (malware spreading) is a concern but not the most probable explanation given the DC's role.
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.
✗
DC01 is exfiltrating data via SMB
Why it's wrong here
Data exfiltration via SMB is uncommon and would not target many IPs.
✗
DC01 is scanning the network for open SMB shares
Why it's wrong here
Less likely for a DC; scanning is more suspicious.
✗
DC01 is compromised and spreading malware
Why it's wrong here
Possible but not the most likely explanation for a DC.
✓
DC01 is performing normal domain operations like Group Policy distribution
Why this is correct
Domain controllers commonly connect to many clients via SMB for management.
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.
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 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.
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: DC01 is performing normal domain operations like Group Policy distribution — A domain controller (DC01) making many outbound SMB connections to unique IPs is typical for normal activity such as Group Policy distribution and logon scripts. Option D correctly identifies this as normal domain operations. Option A (data exfiltration) is unlikely because SMB is not commonly used for exfiltration. Option B (network scanning) is possible but less likely for a DC under normal circumstances. Option C (malware spreading) is a concern but not the most probable explanation given the DC's role.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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