Quick Answer
The answer is the summarize operator. This is the correct choice because summarize is specifically designed to aggregate data into groups, allowing you to count failed logons per IP address by using the count() function within a bin for a 5-minute time window. In the context of the Microsoft Security Operations Analyst SC-200 exam, this question tests your ability to build custom detection rules in Microsoft Sentinel, where you must distinguish summarize from operators like project (which only selects columns) or where (which filters rows). A common trap is confusing extend with summarize, but remember that extend adds a new column to each row, while summarize collapses rows into aggregated results per key. For a memory tip, think of summarize as the "group and count" operator—whenever you need to tally events like failed logons per IP, summarize is your go-to tool.
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.
You need to create a custom detection rule in Microsoft Sentinel that alerts when an anomalous number of failed logons occur from a single IP address within 5 minutes. Which KQL operator should you use to count failed logons per IP?
summarize
summarize groups by IP and counts events.
project
Why wrong: project selects columns, does not aggregate.
where
Why wrong: where filters rows, does not aggregate.
extend
Why wrong: extend adds computed columns without aggregation.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
summarize
Option A is correct because 'summarize' is used to aggregate counts per key (IP). Option B (project) only selects columns. Option C (extend) adds calculated columns. Option D (where) filters rows.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
summarize
Why this is correct
summarize groups by IP and counts events.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
project
Why it's wrong here
project selects columns, does not aggregate.
where
Why it's wrong here
where filters rows, does not aggregate.
extend
Why it's wrong here
extend adds computed columns without aggregation.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
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.
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FAQ
Perform threat hunting — This question tests Perform threat hunting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: summarize — Option A is correct because 'summarize' is used to aggregate counts per key (IP). Option B (project) only selects columns. Option C (extend) adds calculated columns. Option D (where) filters rows.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
This SC-200 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SC-200 exam.
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