The answer is an NTLM authentication originating from a machine that is not the user’s usual machine. This is a strong indicator of a potential pass-the-hash attack because the attacker has stolen the user’s NTLM hash and is using it from a different device to authenticate, bypassing the need for the actual password. In the context of the Microsoft Security Operations Analyst SC-200 exam, this tests your ability to recognize lateral movement techniques within Microsoft Defender for Identity, where anomalous NTLM logins are a key hunting signal. A common trap is focusing on failed logins or Kerberos activity, but pass-the-hash specifically leverages NTLM authentication from an unexpected source. Memory tip: think “wrong machine, right hash” — if the hash is used from a device the user never touches, it’s likely a pass-the-hash attack.
SC-200 Perform threat hunting Practice Question
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 hunting for lateral movement in your environment. In Microsoft Defender for Identity, which activity is a strong indicator of a potential pass-the-hash attack?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
An NTLM authentication originating from a machine that is not the user's usual machine.
Pass-the-hash attacks involve an attacker using a hash to authenticate as another user. An NTLM authentication using a hash from a different machine indicates this.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
A user logging on with a smart card.
Why it's wrong here
Smart card logon is secure.
✓
An NTLM authentication originating from a machine that is not the user's usual machine.
Why this is correct
This suggests the use of stolen credentials/hashes.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
A remote desktop connection from a non-admin workstation to a domain controller.
Why it's wrong here
RDP could be legitimate.
✗
A service account logging on to multiple servers simultaneously.
Why it's wrong here
Service accounts often have legitimate scheduled tasks.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this SC-200 question in full detail.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related SC-200 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Perform threat hunting — This question tests Perform threat hunting — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: An NTLM authentication originating from a machine that is not the user's usual machine. — Pass-the-hash attacks involve an attacker using a hash to authenticate as another user. An NTLM authentication using a hash from a different machine indicates this.
What should I do if I get this SC-200 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related SC-200 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Question Discussion
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