The answer is to initiate device isolation and run a scan with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. Device isolation immediately cuts off all network communication from the compromised Windows server, effectively containing the ransomware outbreak by preventing lateral movement to other systems. Running a scan then identifies and removes the ransomware payload from the isolated environment, ensuring the threat is eliminated before reconnecting. On the SC-200 exam, this scenario tests your ability to apply Defender for Endpoint’s incident response capabilities under pressure, often appearing as a multi-select question where distractors like password resets or full restores seem logical but fail to stop active encryption or risk reintroducing malware. A common trap is choosing to uninstall Defender, which removes protection entirely. Remember the containment mantra: isolate first to cut the spread, then scan to clean the host.
SC-200 Respond to security incidents Practice Question
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.
Which TWO actions should a security analyst take to contain a ransomware outbreak on a Windows server that has Microsoft Defender for Endpoint installed?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Run a full scan with Microsoft Defender Antivirus
Options B and D are correct. B isolates the device to prevent lateral movement, and D runs a scan to remove the ransomware. Option A is wrong because resetting the password does not stop the ransomware. Option C is wrong because uninstalling would remove protection. Option E is wrong because a full restore might reintroduce the malware.
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.
✓
Run a full scan with Microsoft Defender Antivirus
Why this is correct
A full scan can detect and remove the ransomware.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Reset the local administrator password
Why it's wrong here
Password reset does not stop active ransomware.
✓
Initiate device isolation
Why this is correct
Isolation blocks network communication to contain the outbreak.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Uninstall Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and reinstall
Why it's wrong here
Uninstalling removes protection during the outbreak.
✗
Restore the system from a backup
Why it's wrong here
Restoring from backup may reintroduce the malware if the backup is infected.
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: Run a full scan with Microsoft Defender Antivirus — Options B and D are correct. B isolates the device to prevent lateral movement, and D runs a scan to remove the ransomware. Option A is wrong because resetting the password does not stop the ransomware. Option C is wrong because uninstalling would remove protection. Option E is wrong because a full restore might reintroduce the malware.
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. Which TWO actions should a security analyst take when responding to a confirmed malware outbreak in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?
medium
✓ A.Isolate the affected device
✓ B.Run a full scan on the device
C.Create a custom detection rule for the malware
D.Delete the user account
E.Reset the user's password
Why A: Options A and C are correct. Option A: Isolating the affected device prevents lateral movement. Option C: Running a full scan on the device helps ensure all malware components are detected. Option B is wrong because resetting the user password does not stop active malware. Option D is wrong because the hunter is for proactive threat hunting, not immediate response. Option E is wrong because deleting the user account is too drastic and does not address the malware.
Variation 2. Which TWO response actions are available in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint for a compromised device? (Choose two.)
easy
A.Disable the user account
✓ B.Run a full antivirus scan
C.Change the Windows Firewall rules
✓ D.Isolate the device from the network
E.Reset the device to factory defaults
Why B: Options A and D are correct because Defender for Endpoint supports isolating a device and running a full antivirus scan. Option B is wrong because resetting the device to factory defaults is not a standard response action. Option C is wrong because disabling the user account is an identity action, not a device action. Option E is wrong because changing the firewall rules is not a predefined response action in Defender for Endpoint.
Variation 3. Which TWO remediation actions are available in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint when responding to a malware infection?
hard
✓ A.Run a full antivirus scan
B.Disable the user account
C.Reset the device to factory settings
D.Block the application in Defender for Cloud Apps
✓ E.Isolate the device from the network
Why A: Option A is correct because Defender for Endpoint can run AV scan. Option B is correct because isolation is a common action. Option C is wrong because this is a post-remediation step. Option D is wrong because this is done in Microsoft Entra ID. Option E is wrong because this is for cloud apps.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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