SC-200 Device isolation Practice Question
During a ransomware incident, a security analyst needs to isolate an affected Windows 10 device managed by Microsoft Intune. The device is currently online and connected to the corporate network. Which remediation action should be taken from Microsoft Defender XDR to achieve this?
⚠ Common exam trap
SC-200 often tests the confusion between Intune device actions (block, wipe, retire) and Defender for Endpoint remediation actions (isolate, restrict app execution, live response) — candidates pick Intune block thinking it isolates the device, when only Defender isolation actually severs network connectivity.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Initiate device isolation from the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint console
Device isolation from the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint console (accessible via Microsoft Defender XDR) immediately cuts the device off from the network while preserving the Defender communication channel, allowing the analyst to investigate and remediate without losing contact with the endpoint. This is the purpose-built ransomware containment action.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Block the device in Microsoft Intune
Why it's wrong here
Blocking a device in Microsoft Intune prevents it from accessing corporate resources but does not sever its existing network connections, so ransomware can still spread laterally. It is tempting because it is an Intune-managed action, yet it targets access, not live network isolation.
- ✓
Initiate device isolation from the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint console
Why this is correct
Device isolation from the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint console severs network connectivity while preserving the Defender sensor channel, blocking lateral movement and ransomware spread on the online Intune-managed device. This is the supported remediation action within Microsoft Defender XDR.
- ✗
Disable the Windows Firewall via Intune
Why it's wrong here
Disabling the firewall removes a protective control and leaves all network communication, including attacker command-and-control, fully permitted. It is tempting as an Intune configuration change, but isolation requires blocking traffic while preserving the Defender channel.
- ✗
Run a full antivirus scan from Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Why it's wrong here
A full antivirus scan detects and removes malicious files but leaves the device communicating on the network throughout, allowing continued encryption and lateral movement. It is tempting as a remediation step, but isolation must precede cleanup to contain the incident.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Microsoft exam blueprint
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.