Quick Answer
The correct event type to query for LSASS access credential theft is Event 4656, a process access event. This event is triggered whenever a process attempts to open a handle to another process, such as LSASS, which stores cached credentials and Kerberos tickets. In Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, hunting for Event 4656 with specific access flags like PROCESS_VM_READ or PROCESS_ALL_ACCESS reveals suspicious attempts to dump credential material from memory. On the SC-200 exam, this tests your ability to distinguish between process creation (Event 4688), which logs new processes, and process access, which logs interactions with existing processes—a common trap where candidates confuse the two. Remember, credential theft is about accessing what’s already running, not starting something new. A useful memory tip: think “4656 = Access to LSASS” because the digits “56” sound like “access” when said quickly.
This SC-200 practice question tests your understanding of perform threat hunting. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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.
Your team uses Microsoft Defender for Endpoint to hunt for signs of credential theft. You want to query for events where a process accesses the LSASS process memory. Which event type should you look for?
Process access (Event 4656)
Event 4656 logs when a process opens another process, such as LSASS.
Network connection (Event 5156)
Why wrong: Network events are unrelated to local process access.
Registry modification (Event 4657)
Why wrong: Registry events do not capture process access.
Process creation (Event 4688)
Why wrong: Process creation logs new processes, not access to LSASS.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Process access (Event 4656)
Option C is correct because LSASS access is logged as a process access event (Event ID 4656) with specific access flags. Option A is wrong because process creation events show new processes, not access to existing ones. Option B is wrong because registry events do not capture process access. Option D is wrong because network events are unrelated.
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.
Process access (Event 4656)
Why this is correct
Event 4656 logs when a process opens another process, such as LSASS.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Network connection (Event 5156)
Why it's wrong here
Network events are unrelated to local process access.
Registry modification (Event 4657)
Why it's wrong here
Registry events do not capture process access.
Process creation (Event 4688)
Why it's wrong here
Process creation logs new processes, not access to LSASS.
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 company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
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: Process access (Event 4656) — Option C is correct because LSASS access is logged as a process access event (Event ID 4656) with specific access flags. Option A is wrong because process creation events show new processes, not access to existing ones. Option B is wrong because registry events do not capture process access. Option D is wrong because network events are unrelated.
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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