The answer is network traffic logs and DNS logs, as these two data sources in Microsoft Sentinel are most valuable for hunting for command-and-control (C2) communications. C2 traffic relies on outbound connections to attacker-controlled servers and often uses DNS for domain generation algorithms or tunneling, making network logs and DNS query logs the primary telemetry for detecting beaconing or data exfiltration patterns. On the SC-200 exam, this question tests your ability to prioritize data sources based on the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically the Command and Control tactic, and it often appears as a multiple-select item designed to trap candidates who choose Windows Event Logs or Syslog. A common mistake is assuming that all logs are equally useful, but C2 hunting requires visibility into network-layer activity rather than endpoint or management-plane events. Remember the memory tip: “C2 talks over the wire, not the desktop”—focus on network and DNS logs to catch the conversation.
SC-200 Perform threat hunting Practice Question
This SC-200 practice question tests your understanding of perform threat hunting. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 in Microsoft Sentinel are most valuable for hunting for command-and-control (C2) communications? (Choose two.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
DNS logs (e.g., from DNS servers or Azure DNS Analytics)
C2 communications generate network traffic and DNS queries. Options A and D are correct. Option B is incorrect because Windows event logs are less direct. Option C is incorrect because syslog may not capture all network traffic. Option E is incorrect because Azure Activity focuses on management plane.
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.
✗
Windows Event Logs (e.g., Security, System)
Why it's wrong here
Not primary for C2 detection.
✗
Azure Activity log
Why it's wrong here
Azure Activity is for resource management, not network.
✓
DNS logs (e.g., from DNS servers or Azure DNS Analytics)
Why this is correct
DNS queries to known malicious domains indicate C2.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Syslog from Linux servers
Why it's wrong here
Less relevant for C2 traffic.
✓
Network traffic logs (e.g., from firewalls or network security groups)
Why this is correct
Network logs show external connections.
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: DNS logs (e.g., from DNS servers or Azure DNS Analytics) — C2 communications generate network traffic and DNS queries. Options A and D are correct. Option B is incorrect because Windows event logs are less direct. Option C is incorrect because syslog may not capture all network traffic. Option E is incorrect because Azure Activity focuses on management plane.
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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