The answer is DeviceProcessEvents and DeviceNetworkEvents. DeviceProcessEvents is the most direct data source because it captures process creation events like services.exe or cmd.exe being launched on remote machines via tools such as WMI or PsExec, which is the core mechanism of lateral movement through remote service creation. DeviceNetworkEvents is equally critical as it logs outbound network connections to high ports on remote hosts, revealing the communication pattern that typically precedes or accompanies service creation. On the Microsoft Security Operations Analyst SC-200 exam, this pairing tests your ability to distinguish between execution artifacts and network artifacts in advanced hunting—a common trap is choosing DeviceFileEvents, which only records file writes, not execution. Remember the mnemonic: “Processes run, networks connect; files just sit, so don’t select.”
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 TWO data sources are most relevant for threat hunting for lateral movement using remote service creation (e.g., WMI, PsExec)?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
DeviceNetworkEvents
Correct options: B and C. DeviceProcessEvents captures process creation on remote machines (e.g., services.exe, cmd.exe). DeviceNetworkEvents captures outbound connections to high ports on remote machines. Option A (DeviceFileEvents) captures file writes, not execution. Option D (DeviceRegistryEvents) captures registry changes. Option E (DeviceEvents) captures various events but is less specific for remote service creation.
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.
✗
DeviceRegistryEvents
Why it's wrong here
Registry events are not primary for lateral movement detection.
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DeviceEvents
Why it's wrong here
DeviceEvents may include relevant events but are less specific than the others.
✓
DeviceNetworkEvents
Why this is correct
Captures network connections to remote admin shares (e.g., port 445) or high ports.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
DeviceFileEvents
Why it's wrong here
DeviceFileEvents captures file events, not process creation.
✓
DeviceProcessEvents
Why this is correct
Captures process creation events, including services.exe launched by PsExec.
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 healthcare organisation deploys an application with a public-facing web tier and a private database tier. The database subnet has no public IP and only accepts connections from the web tier's security group. Questions like this test whether you can design cloud network isolation using VNets/VPCs, subnets, and security group rules.
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: DeviceNetworkEvents — Correct options: B and C. DeviceProcessEvents captures process creation on remote machines (e.g., services.exe, cmd.exe). DeviceNetworkEvents captures outbound connections to high ports on remote machines. Option A (DeviceFileEvents) captures file writes, not execution. Option D (DeviceRegistryEvents) captures registry changes. Option E (DeviceEvents) captures various events but is less specific for remote service creation.
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.
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Question Discussion
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