The correct answer is to initiate device isolation from the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint console. This action immediately disconnects the Windows 10 device from the corporate network while preserving a secure communication channel to the Defender service, which is critical for monitoring and remediation during a ransomware incident. On the SC-200 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of containment actions within Microsoft Defender XDR, often appearing as a trap where candidates confuse blocking a device in Intune with true network isolation. A common mistake is selecting a full antivirus scan, which does not stop lateral movement, or disabling the firewall, which worsens the breach. Remember the key distinction: isolation cuts network traffic but keeps Defender alive, whereas Intune blocking only revokes resource access. Memory tip: “Isolate to communicate” — the device stays connected to Defender but nothing else.
SC-200 Respond to security incidents Practice Question
This SC-200 practice question tests your understanding of respond to security incidents. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 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?
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
Option A is correct because device isolation in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint disconnects the device from the network while allowing communication with the Defender service. Option B is wrong because running a full antivirus scan does not isolate the device. Option C is wrong because turning off Windows Firewall would increase exposure. Option D is wrong because blocking the device in Intune revokes access to resources but does not isolate the device from the network.
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.
✗
Block the device in Microsoft Intune
Why it's wrong here
Blocking in Intune revokes access to Microsoft 365 resources but the device remains on the network.
✓
Initiate device isolation from the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint console
Why this is correct
Device isolation blocks all network traffic except to the Defender service, containing the threat.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Disable the Windows Firewall via Intune
Why it's wrong here
Disabling the firewall weakens security and does not isolate the device.
✗
Run a full antivirus scan from Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Why it's wrong here
Scanning does not stop the device from communicating with other systems.
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.
Respond to security incidents — This question tests Respond to security incidents — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Initiate device isolation from the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint console — Option A is correct because device isolation in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint disconnects the device from the network while allowing communication with the Defender service. Option B is wrong because running a full antivirus scan does not isolate the device. Option C is wrong because turning off Windows Firewall would increase exposure. Option D is wrong because blocking the device in Intune revokes access to resources but does not isolate the device from the network.
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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