Quick Answer
The answer is IP addresses and file hashes, as these two indicators of compromise are the most common IOCs included in Microsoft Sentinel threat intelligence feeds for detecting known malware campaigns. Threat intelligence feeds prioritize these IOCs because IP addresses provide a direct network-level signal for command-and-control or delivery infrastructure, while file hashes offer a precise, immutable fingerprint of the malware binary itself, enabling reliable detection across endpoints. On the Microsoft Security Operations Analyst SC-200 exam, this question tests your understanding of how Sentinel ingests and leverages threat intelligence—a common trap is confusing domain names or email addresses as primary malware IOCs, when they are more often used for phishing or spam detection rather than direct malware identification. Remember the memory tip: “IPs and hashes catch the malware, domains and emails catch the lure.”
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 indicators of compromise (IOCs) are most likely to be included in a Microsoft Sentinel threat intelligence feed to detect a known malware campaign?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Domain name
Why wrong: Domain names are used but more for C2 detection; less common in malware feeds.
File hash (SHA-256)
File hashes are widely used to identify malware samples.
Email address
Why wrong: Email addresses are used for phishing campaigns, not typically for malware detection.
Registry key
Why wrong: Registry keys are indicators of compromise but less common in TI feeds.
IP address
IP addresses are common IOCs for C2 servers.
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 hash (SHA-256)
Correct answers are A and E. File hashes and IP addresses are common IOCs used in threat intelligence feeds. Domain names and email addresses are also used but less common for malware detection. Registry keys are not typical IOCs in feeds.
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.
Domain name
Why it's wrong here
Domain names are used but more for C2 detection; less common in malware feeds.
File hash (SHA-256)
Why this is correct
File hashes are widely used to identify malware samples.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Email address
Why it's wrong here
Email addresses are used for phishing campaigns, not typically for malware detection.
Registry key
Why it's wrong here
Registry keys are indicators of compromise but less common in TI feeds.
IP address
Why this is correct
IP addresses are common IOCs for C2 servers.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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.
Respond to security incidents — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Respond to security incidents practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All SC-200 questions
1,639 questions across all exam domains
Microsoft Security Operations Analyst SC-200 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
SC-200 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise SC-200 questions linked to Manage a security operations environment.
Practise SC-200 questions linked to Respond to security incidents.
Practise SC-200 questions linked to Perform threat hunting.
Practise SC-200 questions linked to Mitigate threats using Microsoft Defender XDR.
Practise SC-200 questions linked to Mitigate threats using Microsoft Defender for Cloud.
Practise SC-200 questions linked to Mitigate threats using Microsoft Sentinel.
Practise SC-200 questions linked to SC-200 fundamentals.
Practise SC-200 questions linked to SC-200 scenario.
Practise SC-200 questions linked to SC-200 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Respond to security incidents — This question tests Respond to security incidents — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: File hash (SHA-256) — Correct answers are A and E. File hashes and IP addresses are common IOCs used in threat intelligence feeds. Domain names and email addresses are also used but less common for malware detection. Registry keys are not typical IOCs in feeds.
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.
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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 →
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.
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.