Quick Answer
Selective isolation is the correct choice because it restricts the compromised device’s network traffic to only Microsoft Defender for Endpoint cloud services, blocking all other inbound and outbound communication. This allows the device to remain manageable—receiving security updates and reporting telemetry—while preventing lateral movement and further compromise. On the Microsoft Security Operations Analyst SC-200 exam, this question tests your understanding of containment actions within Microsoft Defender XDR, often appearing as a scenario where you must choose between full and selective isolation. A common trap is selecting full isolation, which cuts off all network traffic, including Defender services, rendering the device unmanageable and blind to the SOC. Remember the key distinction: selective keeps the cloud lifeline open; full cuts the cord entirely. A helpful mnemonic is “Selective saves the signal”—if you need the device to stay connected to Defender, choose selective isolation.
This SC-200 practice question tests your understanding of respond to security incidents. 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.
During an incident, you need to isolate a compromised device from the network while allowing communication with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint cloud services. Which isolation type should you choose in Microsoft Defender XDR?
Controlled folder access
Why wrong: A protection feature, not isolation.
Network protection
Why wrong: Blocks malicious outbound traffic but not isolation.
Block file
Why wrong: Blocks a specific file, not network isolation.
Full isolation
Why wrong: Blocks all traffic including Defender services.
Selective isolation
Allows Defender cloud communication.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Selective isolation
Selective isolation (E) is the correct choice because it restricts network communication to only Microsoft Defender for Endpoint cloud services, blocking all other inbound and outbound traffic. This allows the compromised device to remain manageable and receive security updates while preventing lateral movement and further compromise. Full isolation would block all network traffic, including Defender services, rendering the device unmanageable.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Controlled folder access
Why it's wrong here
A protection feature, not isolation.
Network protection
Why it's wrong here
Blocks malicious outbound traffic but not isolation.
Block file
Why it's wrong here
Blocks a specific file, not network isolation.
Full isolation
Why it's wrong here
Blocks all traffic including Defender services.
Selective isolation
Why this is correct
Allows Defender cloud communication.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'full isolation' with 'selective isolation,' assuming full isolation is always the safest choice, but they overlook that full isolation breaks the device's ability to communicate with Defender cloud services, making it unmanageable.
Detailed technical explanation
Selective isolation leverages the Windows Filtering Platform (WFP) to create a firewall rule that permits outbound traffic only to the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint service URLs (e.g., *.endpoint.microsoft.com, *.security.microsoft.com) and blocks all other traffic. This ensures the device can still send alerts, receive threat intelligence, and apply remediation commands while being quarantined from the rest of the network. In contrast, full isolation uses a similar WFP rule but with no exceptions, cutting off all network communication.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
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FAQ
Respond to security incidents — This question tests Respond to security incidents — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Selective isolation — Selective isolation (E) is the correct choice because it restricts network communication to only Microsoft Defender for Endpoint cloud services, blocking all other inbound and outbound traffic. This allows the compromised device to remain manageable and receive security updates while preventing lateral movement and further compromise. Full isolation would block all network traffic, including Defender services, rendering the device unmanageable.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. During a security incident, you need to isolate a compromised Windows device from the network while allowing communication with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint services. Which Microsoft Defender for Endpoint action should you use?
hardWhy B: Option B is correct because 'Isolate device' allows communication with Defender for Endpoint services while blocking other network traffic. Option A is wrong because 'Run antivirus scan' only scans and does not isolate. Option C is wrong because 'Restrict app execution' limits applications but does not isolate network. Option D is wrong because 'Collect investigation package' gathers data but does not isolate.
Variation 2. Contoso uses Microsoft Sentinel with Microsoft Defender XDR connector. You receive an incident titled 'Malware detected on endpoint' from Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. The incident includes a detailed timeline showing that the malware was downloaded from a malicious URL. You need to respond to the incident using Microsoft Sentinel and Microsoft Defender XDR capabilities. The affected device is a Windows 10 workstation used by a standard user. You have been asked to contain the threat and prevent recurrence. The organization has a policy to preserve evidence for 90 days. Which action should you take FIRST?
mediumWhy D: Option B is correct: isolating the device in MDE stops the malware from spreading and communicating with C2. Option A is wrong because resetting password does not remove malware. Option C is wrong because creating a detection rule is proactive but not immediate. Option D is wrong because blocking the URL is good but does not contain the already infected device.
Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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