The answer is to search for the SHA256 hash of the script file in DeviceFileEvents. This is the most effective hunting method because DeviceFileEvents logs every file creation, modification, or deletion across all Windows devices, regardless of how the file was executed or where it was stored. By querying for the specific SHA256 hash, you capture every instance of that malicious script file on any endpoint, whether it was run from the Temp folder, downloaded via a browser, or executed directly from the command line. On the SC-200 exam, this question tests your understanding of the distinct purposes of Microsoft Sentinel’s hunting tables: DeviceFileEvents tracks file artifacts, while DeviceProcessEvents tracks execution events. A common trap is choosing a process-based table like DeviceProcessEvents, which would only find the script if it was actively run, missing dormant or quarantined copies. Remember the memory tip: “Hash the file, not the run”—always use DeviceFileEvents for file hash hunting.
SC-200 Perform threat hunting Practice Question
This SC-200 practice question tests your understanding of perform threat hunting. 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 threat hunt, an analyst discovers a PowerShell script that was executed on multiple workstations with encoded commands. The analyst wants to find all instances of this script across the environment. Which hunting method in Microsoft Sentinel is most effective?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Search for the SHA256 hash of the script file in DeviceFileEvents.
Option C is correct because searching for the script hash across DeviceFileEvents will find any file with that hash, regardless of location. Option A is wrong because it only finds the script if it was executed via command line. Option B is wrong because it only finds it if it was run from Temp folder. Option D is wrong because it only finds it if it was downloaded via browser.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Search for the SHA256 hash of the script file in DeviceFileEvents.
Why this is correct
The file hash uniquely identifies the script regardless of filename or location.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Search for the encoded command string in DeviceProcessEvents command line.
Why it's wrong here
The command may be encoded and not stored in plaintext.
✗
Search for the script in DeviceNetworkEvents as a downloaded file.
Why it's wrong here
The script might have been copied, not downloaded.
✗
Search for the script file name in DeviceFileEvents where the folder path contains 'Temp'.
Why it's wrong here
The script might not be in the Temp folder.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The command may be encoded and not stored in plaintext.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related SC-200 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Perform threat hunting — This question tests Perform threat hunting — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Search for the SHA256 hash of the script file in DeviceFileEvents. — Option C is correct because searching for the script hash across DeviceFileEvents will find any file with that hash, regardless of location. Option A is wrong because it only finds the script if it was executed via command line. Option B is wrong because it only finds it if it was run from Temp folder. Option D is wrong because it only finds it if it was downloaded via browser.
What should I do if I get this SC-200 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related SC-200 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
About these practice questions
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These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. During a threat hunt, an analyst discovers a PowerShell script that was executed on multiple servers in the environment. The script connects to an external IP address and downloads a payload. The analyst wants to find all other servers that may have been compromised by the same script. What is the most efficient way to search for this across the environment?
medium
A.Use Sysmon Event ID 1 (process creation) to find PowerShell executions
B.Review the network logs from the firewall for connections to the external IP
✓ C.Use the DeviceProcessEvents table in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint advanced hunting to search for the script's SHA256 hash or command line pattern
D.Query the Windows Event Log for Event ID 4104 (PowerShell script block logging) on each server
Why C: Option C (search Microsoft Defender for Endpoint advanced hunting for the PowerShell script content hash or command line) is correct because it uses the known IOCs from the discovered script to find all occurrences. Option A (all servers' event logs) is inefficient and may miss modern logging. Option B (Sysmon) requires Sysmon to be installed. Option D (network logs from firewall) may not capture process details.
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Question Discussion
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