The answer is a typo in the LogonProcessName filter, specifically the incorrect string 'NtLmSsp'. The correct process name is 'NtLmSsp' with a capital L and M, and this exact casing is critical because KQL is case-sensitive when filtering string fields like LogonProcessName in the SecurityEvent table. On the Microsoft Security Operations Analyst SC-200 exam, this scenario tests your ability to troubleshoot KQL query troubleshooting for network logon events, where a single character mismatch silently returns zero results instead of an error. A common trap is assuming the query logic is wrong when the issue is a simple typo in a well-known constant like NtLmSsp. Remember the memory tip: "L and M stand tall—capitalize them both to catch the logon call."
SC-200 Perform threat hunting Practice Question
This SC-200 practice question tests your understanding of perform threat hunting. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```kusto
// Microsoft Sentinel KQL for hunting suspicious logons
let suspiciousAccounts = dynamic(["svc_backup", "sql_sa", "testuser"]);
SecurityEvent
| where EventID == 4624
| where Account !in (suspiciousAccounts)
| where LogonType in (3, 10)
| where LogonProcessName == "NtLmSsp" or LogonProcessName == "Kerberos"
| summarize LogonCount = count() by Account, Computer
| where LogonCount > 10
```
Refer to the exhibit. The query is designed to hunt for potentially compromised accounts that are not on the suspicious list but have many network logons. However, the query returns zero results even though the analyst suspects there should be some hits. What is the most likely issue?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Refer to the exhibit.
```kusto
// Microsoft Sentinel KQL for hunting suspicious logons
let suspiciousAccounts = dynamic(["svc_backup", "sql_sa", "testuser"]);
SecurityEvent
| where EventID == 4624
| where Account !in (suspiciousAccounts)
| where LogonType in (3, 10)
| where LogonProcessName == "NtLmSsp" or LogonProcessName == "Kerberos"
| summarize LogonCount = count() by Account, Computer
| where LogonCount > 10
```
A
The time range filter is missing; no events are returned.
Why wrong: The query does not specify a time range, but KQL defaults to last 24 hours, which should return results.
B
The LogonProcessName filter uses an incorrect string.
The correct process name is 'NtLmSsp' (capital L and M), not 'NtLmSsp'.
C
The dynamic array syntax is incorrect.
Why wrong: The dynamic array is correctly defined.
D
The summarize function cannot be used after a where clause.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The LogonProcessName filter uses an incorrect string.
Option C is correct because the typo 'NtLmSsp' should be 'NtLmSsp' (note the capital L and M). The correct process name is 'NtLmSsp' (spelled with capital L and M). Option A is wrong because the time range is not specified but defaults to last 24h; this would not cause zero results. Option B is wrong because the dynamic array syntax is correct. Option D is wrong because the summarize function works correctly.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The time range filter is missing; no events are returned.
Why it's wrong here
The query does not specify a time range, but KQL defaults to last 24 hours, which should return results.
✓
The LogonProcessName filter uses an incorrect string.
Why this is correct
The correct process name is 'NtLmSsp' (capital L and M), not 'NtLmSsp'.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The dynamic array syntax is incorrect.
Why it's wrong here
The dynamic array is correctly defined.
✗
The summarize function cannot be used after a where clause.
Why it's wrong here
summarize can be used after where.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A healthcare organisation deploys an application with a public-facing web tier and a private database tier. The database subnet has no public IP and only accepts connections from the web tier's security group. Questions like this test whether you can design cloud network isolation using VNets/VPCs, subnets, and security group rules.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this SC-200 question in full detail.
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.
Perform threat hunting — This question tests Perform threat hunting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The LogonProcessName filter uses an incorrect string. — Option C is correct because the typo 'NtLmSsp' should be 'NtLmSsp' (note the capital L and M). The correct process name is 'NtLmSsp' (spelled with capital L and M). Option A is wrong because the time range is not specified but defaults to last 24h; this would not cause zero results. Option B is wrong because the dynamic array syntax is correct. Option D is wrong because the summarize function works correctly.
What should I do if I get this SC-200 question wrong?
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.