- A
DeviceFileEvents | summarize Duration = max(Timestamp)-min(Timestamp) by DeviceName, InitiatingProcessFileName | where Duration < 1h
Why wrong: Duration alone doesn't indicate high volume of modifications.
- B
DeviceFileEvents | where ActionType == 'FileModified' | summarize Count = count() by DeviceName, InitiatingProcessFileName, bin(Timestamp, 5m) | where Count > 100
High file modification count per process in a short window is indicative of ransomware.
- C
DeviceProcessEvents | where FileName in ('powershell.exe', 'wscript.exe') | summarize by DeviceName
Why wrong: This shows script usage but not the encryption activity.
- D
DeviceFileEvents | summarize Count = count() by DeviceName | where Count > 1000
Why wrong: This aggregates per device, not per process, making it harder to pinpoint the malicious process.
Quick Answer
The answer is the query pattern that counts file modifications per process and device within a five-minute window and filters for counts exceeding 100. This is correct because ransomware hunting relies on detecting rapid file encryption, where a single process modifies hundreds of files in a short burst—a behavior captured by summarizing `DeviceFileEvents` with `ActionType == 'FileModified'` and grouping by `InitiatingProcessFileName`. On the SC-200 exam, this tests your ability to distinguish between file-based and process-based hunting queries; a common trap is choosing a query that focuses on process creation events or duration rather than the sheer volume of modifications. Remember, encryption is a file write operation, not a process start, so always look for `FileModified` actions aggregated by process name. A useful memory tip: think “count the writes, not the starts” to avoid the trap of using `DeviceProcessEvents` instead of `DeviceFileEvents`.
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.
You are hunting for signs of ransomware using Microsoft Defender XDR's advanced hunting. Which query pattern would best identify a process that encrypts many files in a short time?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
DeviceFileEvents | where ActionType == 'FileModified' | summarize Count = count() by DeviceName, InitiatingProcessFileName, bin(Timestamp, 5m) | where Count > 100
Option A is correct because it counts file modifications per process and device, then filters for high counts. Option B is wrong because it focuses on process creations, not file modifications. Option C is wrong because it measures duration, not count. Option D is wrong because it only groups by device, missing the process responsible.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
DeviceFileEvents | summarize Duration = max(Timestamp)-min(Timestamp) by DeviceName, InitiatingProcessFileName | where Duration < 1h
Why it's wrong here
Duration alone doesn't indicate high volume of modifications.
- ✓
DeviceFileEvents | where ActionType == 'FileModified' | summarize Count = count() by DeviceName, InitiatingProcessFileName, bin(Timestamp, 5m) | where Count > 100
Why this is correct
High file modification count per process in a short window is indicative of ransomware.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✗
DeviceProcessEvents | where FileName in ('powershell.exe', 'wscript.exe') | summarize by DeviceName
Why it's wrong here
This shows script usage but not the encryption activity.
- ✗
DeviceFileEvents | summarize Count = count() by DeviceName | where Count > 1000
Why it's wrong here
This aggregates per device, not per process, making it harder to pinpoint the malicious process.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This shows script usage but not the encryption activity.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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. NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated. 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related SC-200 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
- →
Perform threat hunting — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Perform threat hunting 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
Related SC-200 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Manage a security operations environment practice questions
Practise SC-200 questions linked to Manage a security operations environment.
Respond to security incidents practice questions
Practise SC-200 questions linked to Respond to security incidents.
Perform threat hunting practice questions
Practise SC-200 questions linked to Perform threat hunting.
Mitigate threats using Microsoft Defender XDR practice questions
Practise SC-200 questions linked to Mitigate threats using Microsoft Defender XDR.
Mitigate threats using Microsoft Defender for Cloud practice questions
Practise SC-200 questions linked to Mitigate threats using Microsoft Defender for Cloud.
Mitigate threats using Microsoft Sentinel practice questions
Practise SC-200 questions linked to Mitigate threats using Microsoft Sentinel.
SC-200 fundamentals practice questions
Practise SC-200 questions linked to SC-200 fundamentals.
SC-200 scenario practice questions
Practise SC-200 questions linked to SC-200 scenario.
SC-200 troubleshooting practice questions
Practise SC-200 questions linked to SC-200 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free SC-200 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SC-200 question test?
Perform threat hunting — This question tests Perform threat hunting — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: DeviceFileEvents | where ActionType == 'FileModified' | summarize Count = count() by DeviceName, InitiatingProcessFileName, bin(Timestamp, 5m) | where Count > 100 — Option A is correct because it counts file modifications per process and device, then filters for high counts. Option B is wrong because it focuses on process creations, not file modifications. Option C is wrong because it measures duration, not count. Option D is wrong because it only groups by device, missing the process responsible.
What should I do if I get this SC-200 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related SC-200 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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.