The correct action is to initiate a live response session and use the 'Collect memory dump' command. This is because Microsoft Defender for Endpoint’s live response capability provides a remote shell that allows a SOC analyst to execute forensic commands directly on a suspected compromised device, and the dedicated 'Collect memory dump' command captures the full system memory for offline analysis of malware, rootkits, or other volatile artifacts. On the SC-200 exam, this question tests your understanding of the specific live response commands available in the Microsoft Defender XDR portal, often appearing as a scenario where you must distinguish between investigation actions like running an antivirus scan, executing a PowerShell script, or isolating a device—none of which collect a memory dump. A common trap is assuming any live response script can achieve this, but the exam expects you to know the exact built-in command. Memory tip: think “Live Response, then Collect Dump” as a two-step forensic reflex.
SC-200 Manage a security operations environment Practice Question
This SC-200 practice question tests your understanding of manage a security operations environment. 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.
You are a SOC analyst using Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. You need to investigate a device that is suspected of being compromised. You want to collect a memory dump for offline analysis. Which action should you take from the Microsoft Defender XDR portal?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Initiate a live response session and use the 'Collect memory dump' command.
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint allows you to initiate live response sessions to collect forensic data. Option C is correct. Option A is wrong because antivirus scan does not collect memory dumps. Option B is wrong because running a PowerShell script through live response is possible, but the direct action to collect a memory dump is using 'Collect memory dump' in live response. Option D is wrong because device isolation does not collect data.
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.
✓
Initiate a live response session and use the 'Collect memory dump' command.
Why this is correct
Live response provides a command to collect a full memory dump.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Isolate the device from the network to prevent further damage.
Why it's wrong here
Isolation does not collect forensic data.
✗
Run a PowerShell script through live response to copy the memory dump.
Why it's wrong here
While possible, the built-in 'Collect memory dump' action is the standard method.
✗
Run a full antivirus scan on the device.
Why it's wrong here
Antivirus scans do not collect memory dumps.
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.
Manage a security operations environment — This question tests Manage a security operations environment — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Initiate a live response session and use the 'Collect memory dump' command. — Microsoft Defender for Endpoint allows you to initiate live response sessions to collect forensic data. Option C is correct. Option A is wrong because antivirus scan does not collect memory dumps. Option B is wrong because running a PowerShell script through live response is possible, but the direct action to collect a memory dump is using 'Collect memory dump' in live response. Option D is wrong because device isolation does not collect data.
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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