The answer is to initiate a live response session on the device and run the 'isolate device' command, because this approach allows the analyst to collect volatile forensic data—such as active network connections and running processes—before the device is fully cut off from the network. In Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, the live response feature provides a remote shell that preserves the system state, enabling the analyst to gather evidence like memory dumps or suspicious files prior to executing the isolation command. On the SC-200 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the difference between containment and isolation, where 'contain device' only restricts network communication but still permits forensic collection, while full isolation blocks all traffic. A common trap is confusing password resets or account disabling with device-level containment, but those actions do not stop lateral movement from a compromised endpoint. Remember the memory tip: "Isolate last, collect first"—always run your forensic commands in the live response session before you pull the plug.
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 security analyst receives an alert in Microsoft Defender XDR indicating a possible credential theft attempt from an external IP. The analyst wants to isolate the affected device immediately while preserving forensic data. What should the analyst do?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "immediately / without restart"
Why it matters: Time or reboot constraint — the correct answer must take effect right away without requiring a reboot or reload.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Initiate a live response session on the device and run the 'isolate device' command.
Option B is correct because initiating a 'real-time response' session with 'isolate device' allows forensic data to be collected before isolation. Option A is wrong because disabling the user account does not prevent lateral movement from the device. Option C is wrong because resetting the password does not isolate the device. Option D is wrong because 'contain device' in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is for network containment, not full isolation.
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.
✗
Use Microsoft Defender for Endpoint to 'contain device' from the device inventory.
Why it's wrong here
'Contain device' restricts network communication but does not allow forensic collection and may not preserve all data.
✗
Disable the user account in Microsoft Entra ID.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling the user account does not isolate the device; the device may still be used by another user or for lateral movement.
✓
Initiate a live response session on the device and run the 'isolate device' command.
Why this is correct
Live response allows forensic collection and isolation, preserving evidence while containing the threat.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "immediately / without restart" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Reset the user's password and enforce sign-out.
Why it's wrong here
Resetting the password does not isolate the device; the device may still be compromised.
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 a live response session on the device and run the 'isolate device' command. — Option B is correct because initiating a 'real-time response' session with 'isolate device' allows forensic data to be collected before isolation. Option A is wrong because disabling the user account does not prevent lateral movement from the device. Option C is wrong because resetting the password does not isolate the device. Option D is wrong because 'contain device' in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is for network containment, not full isolation.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "immediately / without restart". Time or reboot constraint — the correct answer must take effect right away without requiring a reboot or reload.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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. A security analyst receives an alert in Microsoft Defender XDR indicating that a user account was compromised. The analyst needs to isolate the affected device to prevent lateral movement. Which action should the analyst take first?
medium
A.Run a full antimalware scan on the device
✓ B.Initiate device isolation from Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
C.Reset the user's password in Microsoft Entra ID
D.Create a custom detection rule in Microsoft Sentinel
Why B: Option C is correct because initiating device isolation in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is the quickest way to contain a compromised device. Option A is wrong because resetting the password alone does not isolate the device. Option B is wrong because a full scan is slow and may not stop ongoing activity. Option D is wrong because creating a detection rule does not take immediate action.
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Question Discussion
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