The correct answer is C, because the KQL query’s purpose is to get a count of 'Suspicious process injection' alerts grouped by compromised entity and severity, sorted by count. This is achieved by using the summarize operator with count() on the AlertInfo and AlertEvidence tables, aggregating alerts by the specific entity (such as a host or user) and the severity level, then ordering the results in descending order by the count. On the Microsoft Security Operations Analyst SC-200 exam, this question tests your ability to read and interpret KQL query logic in Microsoft Sentinel, specifically how summarize and order operators shape output for incident investigation. A common trap is confusing a grouped count with a flat list of all alerts or assuming a time filter exists when none is used in the query. Remember the memory tip: “Summarize counts by entity and severity, then order by count—that’s the query’s bounty.”
SC-200 Respond to security incidents Practice Question
This SC-200 practice question tests your understanding of respond to security incidents. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```KQL
SecurityAlert
| where TimeGenerated > ago(7d)
| where AlertName == "Suspicious process injection"
| summarize count() by CompromisedEntity, AlertSeverity
| order by count_ desc
```
Refer to the exhibit. You are investigating incidents related to suspicious process injection. The KQL query above is run in Microsoft Sentinel. What is the purpose of this query?
Refer to the exhibit.
```KQL
SecurityAlert
| where TimeGenerated > ago(7d)
| where AlertName == "Suspicious process injection"
| summarize count() by CompromisedEntity, AlertSeverity
| order by count_ desc
```
A
To find alerts that occurred within a specific time range
Why wrong: It uses a relative time filter, not specific.
B
To list all alerts of type 'Suspicious process injection' in the last 7 days
Why wrong: It summarizes, not lists all alerts.
C
To get a count of 'Suspicious process injection' alerts grouped by compromised entity and severity, sorted by count
This matches the query logic.
D
To identify the compromised entities with the highest severity alerts
Why wrong: It does not filter by highest severity.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
To get a count of 'Suspicious process injection' alerts grouped by compromised entity and severity, sorted by count
The correct answer is C because the query summarizes alerts by compromised entity and severity, then orders by count. Option A is wrong because it does not show all alerts. Option B is wrong because it does not filter by time. Option D is wrong because it does not list all entities.
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.
✗
To find alerts that occurred within a specific time range
Why it's wrong here
It uses a relative time filter, not specific.
✗
To list all alerts of type 'Suspicious process injection' in the last 7 days
Why it's wrong here
It summarizes, not lists all alerts.
✓
To get a count of 'Suspicious process injection' alerts grouped by compromised entity and severity, sorted by count
Why this is correct
This matches the query logic.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
To identify the compromised entities with the highest severity alerts
Why it's wrong here
It does not filter by highest severity.
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 cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
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.
Respond to security incidents — This question tests Respond to security incidents — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: To get a count of 'Suspicious process injection' alerts grouped by compromised entity and severity, sorted by count — The correct answer is C because the query summarizes alerts by compromised entity and severity, then orders by count. Option A is wrong because it does not show all alerts. Option B is wrong because it does not filter by time. Option D is wrong because it does not list all entities.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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