The correct answer is to initiate device isolation from Microsoft Defender XDR. This action immediately blocks all inbound and outbound communication with the C2 server while still allowing the device to remain powered on and connected to the corporate network for essential services like Active Directory or Windows Update, thereby containing the threat with minimal business disruption. On the SC-200 exam, this scenario tests your ability to balance security containment with operational continuity, as the exam frequently presents a trap where candidates choose to shut down the device or run a scan—both of which fail to stop active C2 traffic or cause unnecessary downtime. Remember, isolation is a surgical network-level block, not a full kill switch. Memory tip: think "Isolate, don't annihilate" to recall that isolation stops C2 communication without forcing the user to lose their session.
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.
A Microsoft Defender XDR incident shows that a user's device has been communicating with a known malicious C2 server. The device is online and the user is actively working. You need to contain the threat with minimal business disruption. What should you do?
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 Microsoft Defender XDR
Option A is correct because isolating the device stops communication while allowing the user to continue work if they switch to another device. Option B is wrong because shutting down the device causes immediate disruption. Option C is wrong because removing network connectivity may not be possible remotely. Option D is wrong because running antivirus scan does not stop ongoing C2 communication.
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.
✗
Remove the device from the network by disabling the switch port
Why it's wrong here
Requires manual intervention and may not be possible remotely.
✗
Shut down the device remotely
Why it's wrong here
Shutdown causes full disruption and may lose forensic data.
✗
Run a full antivirus scan on the device
Why it's wrong here
Scanning does not stop ongoing C2 communication.
✓
Initiate device isolation from Microsoft Defender XDR
Why this is correct
Isolation blocks network traffic except to Microsoft services, minimizing disruption.
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 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.
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 Microsoft Defender XDR — Option A is correct because isolating the device stops communication while allowing the user to continue work if they switch to another device. Option B is wrong because shutting down the device causes immediate disruption. Option C is wrong because removing network connectivity may not be possible remotely. Option D is wrong because running antivirus scan does not stop ongoing C2 communication.
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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