The answer is anomalous NTLM authentication from a domain controller, multiple failed logon attempts followed by a success from the same IP, and Event ID 4624 with LogonType 9 (NewCredentials) from a non-privileged account. These three indicators are correct because pass-the-hash attacks rely on reusing stolen NTLM hashes to authenticate without knowing the plaintext password, which creates specific behavioral anomalies. Domain controllers should never initiate NTLM requests themselves, making that a clear red flag, while a burst of failures then a single success from one IP suggests credential replay, and LogonType 9 explicitly signals explicit credential use for network access. On the SC-200 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish pass-the-hash signs from unrelated Kerberos activity, such as TGS requests, which are a common distractor. A useful memory tip is to remember “NTLM + reuse + explicit logon” as the triad for pass-the-hash, and that any Kerberos-only event is automatically out of scope.
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.
Which THREE of the following are indicators of a potential pass-the-hash attack that a threat hunter should investigate in Microsoft Defender for Identity?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Multiple failed logon attempts followed by a successful logon from the same IP
Options A, B, and C are correct. Anomalous NTLM authentication from a domain controller is suspicious because DCs typically do not initiate NTLM requests. Multiple failed logon attempts followed by a success from the same IP indicates credential reuse. Event ID 4624 with logon type 9 (NewCredentials) often indicates pass-the-hash. Option D is incorrect because TGS requests are related to Kerberos, not pass-the-hash. Option E is incorrect because high resource usage is not specific to pass-the-hash.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
High volume of TGS requests from a single user
Why it's wrong here
TGS requests are more indicative of Kerberoasting.
✓
Multiple failed logon attempts followed by a successful logon from the same IP
Why this is correct
This pattern suggests credential cracking or pass-the-hash.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✓
Anomalous NTLM authentication from a domain controller
Why this is correct
Domain controllers should not initiate NTLM authentication; it indicates attack.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✓
Event ID 4624 with LogonType 9 (NewCredentials) from a non-privileged account
Why this is correct
Logon type 9 indicates use of cached credentials, common in pass-the-hash.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Anomalous spike in CPU usage on domain controllers
Why it's wrong here
CPU spike is not a direct indicator of pass-the-hash.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
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.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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 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.
Perform threat hunting — This question tests Perform threat hunting — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Multiple failed logon attempts followed by a successful logon from the same IP — Options A, B, and C are correct. Anomalous NTLM authentication from a domain controller is suspicious because DCs typically do not initiate NTLM requests. Multiple failed logon attempts followed by a success from the same IP indicates credential reuse. Event ID 4624 with logon type 9 (NewCredentials) often indicates pass-the-hash. Option D is incorrect because TGS requests are related to Kerberos, not pass-the-hash. Option E is incorrect because high resource usage is not specific to pass-the-hash.
What should I do if I get this SC-200 question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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