The answer is scheduled task creation on multiple endpoints, mass file rename or extension changes, and beaconing to known C2 infrastructure. These three indicators are commonly associated with ransomware activity in Microsoft Sentinel threat hunting because ransomware relies on file encryption to extort victims, command-and-control beaconing to receive instructions or exfiltrate data, and scheduled tasks to maintain persistence across reboots. On the SC-200 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish ransomware-specific signals from general attack patterns—for example, excessive logins point to brute force, not ransomware, and unusual DNS queries are more typical of data exfiltration or tunneling. A common trap is confusing persistence mechanisms like scheduled tasks with lateral movement artifacts, so remember that ransomware needs to survive reboots to complete encryption. Memory tip: think of the ransomware lifecycle—encrypt (file rename), phone home (beaconing), and stay alive (scheduled tasks).
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 indicators are commonly associated with ransomware activity in Microsoft Sentinel threat hunting?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Network connections to known C2 infrastructure
Ransomware typically involves file encryption (mass file rename/extension changes), C2 communication (beaconing), and scheduled task creation for persistence. Option A (unusual DNS) is not typical. Option D (excessive logins) is more brute force. The correct options are B, C, and E.
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.
✓
Network connections to known C2 infrastructure
Why this is correct
Ransomware communicates with C2 servers for key exchange.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Unusual DNS queries to known safe domains
Why it's wrong here
Not typical for ransomware; often uses C2 domains.
✗
Excessive failed logon attempts from a single IP
Why it's wrong here
More indicative of brute force attacks.
✓
Mass file rename or extension changes
Why this is correct
Common ransomware behavior: encrypting files and changing extensions.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Scheduled task creation on multiple endpoints
Why this is correct
Used for persistence and execution.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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 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.
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: Network connections to known C2 infrastructure — Ransomware typically involves file encryption (mass file rename/extension changes), C2 communication (beaconing), and scheduled task creation for persistence. Option A (unusual DNS) is not typical. Option D (excessive logins) is more brute force. The correct options are B, C, and E.
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.
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 →
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. You are hunting for signs of ransomware activity. Which of the following behaviors in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint should you prioritize as a high-confidence indicator?
easy
A.A process deleting Volume Shadow Copies
✓ B.A process encrypting or renaming large numbers of files in rapid succession
C.A process creating a scheduled task
D.A process downloading multiple files from the internet
Why B: Option A is correct because mass file encryption or renaming is a direct sign of ransomware. Option B is wrong because while shadow copy deletion is common after ransomware, it can also be done by legitimate tools. Option C is wrong because large file downloads can be benign. Option D is wrong because scheduled task creation is common for persistence but not specific to ransomware.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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.
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.