The answer is the summarize operator combined with sum() and top, as in `... | summarize TotalBytes=sum(SentBytes) by SourceIP | top 10 by TotalBytes desc`. This is correct because to identify top data exfiltration source IPs by total bytes, you must first aggregate the raw network logs—grouping all records by each SourceIP and summing their SentBytes—then sort and limit the results to the highest totals. On the SC-200 exam, this KQL pattern tests your ability to distinguish aggregation from filtering or projection; a common trap is choosing `where` (which only filters rows) or `project` (which only selects columns), neither of which computes totals. Remember the memory tip: “Summarize sums, top takes the trophy”—you need both to pinpoint the largest data senders.
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.
A security analyst is using KQL in Microsoft Sentinel to hunt for potential data exfiltration by a user who has been sending unusually large amounts of data to an external IP address. Which KQL operator should the analyst use to identify the top source IP addresses and total bytes sent over the last 7 days?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
... | summarize TotalBytes=sum(SentBytes) by SourceIP | top 10 by TotalBytes desc
The summarize operator with sum() aggregation computes total bytes per source IP, and top 10 limits to the top results. Option A is correct. Option B (where) filters but does not aggregate. Option C (project) only selects columns. Option D (extend) adds computed columns without aggregation.
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.
✗
... | where SentBytes > 1000000 | project SourceIP, SentBytes
Why it's wrong here
Filters large sends but does not aggregate per IP, so it does not identify the top source IPs by total bytes.
✗
... | extend TotalBytes=SentBytes | summarize count() by SourceIP
Why it's wrong here
Counts events per IP, not sum of bytes.
✗
... | project SourceIP, SentBytes | sort by SentBytes desc
Why it's wrong here
Only sorts individual rows, not aggregated totals per IP.
✓
... | summarize TotalBytes=sum(SentBytes) by SourceIP | top 10 by TotalBytes desc
Why this is correct
Correctly uses summarize with sum and top to find top source IPs by total sent bytes.
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
An e-commerce site experiences heavy traffic on Black Friday and near-zero traffic during off-peak weeks. Rather than provisioning permanent large VMs, the team uses auto-scaling groups that add capacity automatically under load and reduce it overnight. Questions like this test whether you understand elasticity, availability zones, and cloud compute scaling patterns.
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: ... | summarize TotalBytes=sum(SentBytes) by SourceIP | top 10 by TotalBytes desc — The summarize operator with sum() aggregation computes total bytes per source IP, and top 10 limits to the top results. Option A is correct. Option B (where) filters but does not aggregate. Option C (project) only selects columns. Option D (extend) adds computed columns without aggregation.
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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