Quick Answer
The answer is Event ID 4656, which is the most indicative Windows Security Event Log entry for LSASS credential dumping. This event is generated when a process requests a handle to an object, such as the LSASS process, which stores cached credentials and authentication tokens. Attackers commonly use tools like Mimikatz to open a handle to LSASS with specific access rights (e.g., PROCESS_VM_READ) to dump credentials from memory, and Event ID 4656 captures that initial handle request. On the Microsoft Security Operations Analyst SC-200 exam, this tests your ability to distinguish between process creation (4688) and object handle access, with the common trap being that 4688 logs process starts, not the actual LSASS access. A strong memory tip is to think “4656 = Handle to LSASS” — the “56” sounds like “handle” if you say it quickly, reminding you that credential dumping begins with requesting a handle, not launching a new process.
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 are conducting a threat hunt to find evidence of credential dumping on Windows servers. Which event ID in Windows Security Event Log (SecurityEvent) is most indicative of LSASS process access?
4656 (Handle to an object requested)
4656 can indicate access to LSASS process handle.
4688 (Process creation)
Why wrong: 4688 shows new processes, not handle access.
4672 (Special privileges assigned)
Why wrong: 4672 indicates privilege assignment, not specific to LSASS.
4624 (Logon)
Why wrong: 4624 indicates successful logon, not credential dumping.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
4656 (Handle to an object requested)
Event ID 4656 is generated when a handle to an object (like LSASS) is requested, often used in credential dumping.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
4656 (Handle to an object requested)
Why this is correct
4656 can indicate access to LSASS process handle.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
4688 (Process creation)
Why it's wrong here
4688 shows new processes, not handle access.
4672 (Special privileges assigned)
Why it's wrong here
4672 indicates privilege assignment, not specific to LSASS.
4624 (Logon)
Why it's wrong here
4624 indicates successful logon, not credential dumping.
Common exam traps
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
4688 shows new processes, not handle access.
Detailed technical explanation
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
A media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
What to study next
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SC-200 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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FAQ
Perform threat hunting — This question tests Perform threat hunting — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: 4656 (Handle to an object requested) — Event ID 4656 is generated when a handle to an object (like LSASS) is requested, often used in credential dumping.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SC-200 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Authentication checks who the user is.
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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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