The correct answer is that the time range is too narrow, as the query only examines the last hour, causing it to miss failed sign-in attempts that are spread over several hours. When troubleshooting a failed sign-in query returning no results due to time range, you must recognize that KQL’s time filter acts as a hard boundary—if the attack pattern involves multiple attempts from the same IP against disabled accounts (ResultType 50057) occurring across a longer window, a one-hour lookback will produce false negatives. On the SC-200 exam, this tests your ability to diagnose why a detection query fails to surface known threats, a common trap being to blame the ResultType or threshold before checking the time filter. A reliable memory tip: always verify your time range first when a query returns zero results despite known activity—think “time before threshold.”
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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```kql
let threshold = 5;
SigninLogs
| where TimeGenerated > ago(1h)
| where ResultType == "50057" // User account is disabled
| summarize FailedAttempts = count() by UserPrincipalName, IPAddress
| where FailedAttempts > threshold
| project UserPrincipalName, IPAddress, FailedAttempts
```
A threat hunter runs the KQL query above in Microsoft Sentinel to detect accounts that have experienced multiple failed sign-in attempts due to a disabled account (ResultType 50057) from the same IP. The query returns no results even though the hunter knows that some disabled accounts are being attacked. What is the most likely reason for the false negatives?
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.
```kql
let threshold = 5;
SigninLogs
| where TimeGenerated > ago(1h)
| where ResultType == "50057" // User account is disabled
| summarize FailedAttempts = count() by UserPrincipalName, IPAddress
| where FailedAttempts > threshold
| project UserPrincipalName, IPAddress, FailedAttempts
```
A
The ResultType value 50057 is incorrect; it should be 50058 for disabled account
Why wrong: 50057 is the correct code for user account is disabled.
B
The query should group by UserPrincipalName only, not by IPAddress
Why wrong: Grouping by IP helps identify brute-force from a single source; removing IP would still need the same threshold.
C
The time range (1h) is too narrow; the attacks may be spread over several hours
A larger time window would capture more attempts and meet the threshold.
D
The threshold of 5 is too high; reducing it would show results
Why wrong: While possible, the time window is the more fundamental issue given the scenario.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The time range (1h) is too narrow; the attacks may be spread over several hours
Option B is correct because the query only looks at the last 1 hour; if attacks occurred over a longer period, they would be missed. Option A (ResultType wrong) is possible but not the most likely since 50057 is correct. Option C (summarize over UserPrincipalName alone) would group by user, but the query already includes IPAddress. Option D (threshold too high) could be, but the scenario says attacks are happening; time window is the most likely cause.
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 ResultType value 50057 is incorrect; it should be 50058 for disabled account
Why it's wrong here
50057 is the correct code for user account is disabled.
✗
The query should group by UserPrincipalName only, not by IPAddress
Why it's wrong here
Grouping by IP helps identify brute-force from a single source; removing IP would still need the same threshold.
✓
The time range (1h) is too narrow; the attacks may be spread over several hours
Why this is correct
A larger time window would capture more attempts and meet the threshold.
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 threshold of 5 is too high; reducing it would show results
Why it's wrong here
While possible, the time window is the more fundamental issue given the scenario.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
While possible, the time window is the more fundamental issue given the scenario.
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.
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 time range (1h) is too narrow; the attacks may be spread over several hours — Option B is correct because the query only looks at the last 1 hour; if attacks occurred over a longer period, they would be missed. Option A (ResultType wrong) is possible but not the most likely since 50057 is correct. Option C (summarize over UserPrincipalName alone) would group by user, but the query already includes IPAddress. Option D (threshold too high) could be, but the scenario says attacks are happening; time window is the most likely cause.
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.
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