Quick Answer
The answer is file hashes and IP addresses, as these are the two most common indicators of compromise used in threat hunting with Microsoft Sentinel. File hashes serve as unique digital fingerprints for known malware samples, allowing analysts to quickly identify malicious files across endpoints, while IP addresses pinpoint the network locations of command-and-control servers or malicious hosts. On the Microsoft Security Operations Analyst SC-200 exam, this concept tests your ability to distinguish between true IOCs and artifacts—usernames and device names are artifacts, not IOCs, because they lack the forensic uniqueness of hashes or the network-level traceability of IPs. A common trap is confusing registry keys as a primary IOC; while they can be used, they are less standard than hashes and IPs in threat hunting workflows. Remember the mnemonic “HIP” for Hashes, IPs, and Ports—the three pillars of network-centric IOCs.
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 TWO are common indicators of compromise (IOCs) used in threat hunting with Microsoft Sentinel?
File hashes (MD5, SHA256)
File hashes uniquely identify known malicious files.
Usernames
Why wrong: Usernames are not IOCs; they are contextual information.
IP addresses
IP addresses of known malicious servers are common IOCs.
Device names
Why wrong: Device names are not IOCs; they are asset identifiers.
Registry keys
Why wrong: Registry keys can be IOCs but are less commonly used as primary indicators.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
File hashes (MD5, SHA256)
Options B and D are correct because file hashes and IP addresses are standard IOCs. Option A is wrong because usernames are not IOCs; they are artifacts. Option C is wrong because device names are not IOCs. Option E is wrong because registry keys can be IOCs but are less common than hashes and IPs.
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.
File hashes (MD5, SHA256)
Why this is correct
File hashes uniquely identify known malicious files.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Usernames
Why it's wrong here
Usernames are not IOCs; they are contextual information.
IP addresses
Why this is correct
IP addresses of known malicious servers are common IOCs.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Device names
Why it's wrong here
Device names are not IOCs; they are asset identifiers.
Registry keys
Why it's wrong here
Registry keys can be IOCs but are less commonly used as primary indicators.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
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.
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FAQ
Perform threat hunting — This question tests Perform threat hunting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: File hashes (MD5, SHA256) — Options B and D are correct because file hashes and IP addresses are standard IOCs. Option A is wrong because usernames are not IOCs; they are artifacts. Option C is wrong because device names are not IOCs. Option E is wrong because registry keys can be IOCs but are less common than hashes and IPs.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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.
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