The answer is to initiate a live response session and run a PowerShell script to check for persistence mechanisms. This is correct because even though Microsoft Defender for Endpoint blocked the initial malware file, remnants like scheduled tasks, registry run keys, or startup folder entries may have been created before the block occurred, and live response provides the forensic access needed to hunt for these artifacts directly on the device. On the SC-200 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that live response is the appropriate tool for post-detection investigation, not just for active threats—a common trap is assuming a standard antivirus scan is sufficient when the malware was already blocked, but that scan would miss persistence remnants that a targeted PowerShell script can uncover. Remember the key distinction: detection blocks the file, but live response checks for the aftermath. A useful memory tip is “Blocked doesn’t mean buried”—always use live response to dig for persistence after a detection.
SC-200 Respond to security incidents Practice Question
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.
You are responding to a security incident involving a user who clicked on a malicious link in an email. The link led to a website that downloaded a file to the user's device. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (MDE) detected the file as malware and blocked it. However, the user reports that the device is running slowly. You need to verify if there are any remnants of the malware. Which action should you take?
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 run a PowerShell script to check for persistence mechanisms.
Option A is correct because MDE's live response allows you to run commands and scripts on the device to check for remnants. Option B is wrong because the malware was already blocked, so an antivirus scan may not find anything new. Option C is wrong because the device is already onboarded to MDE. Option D is wrong because a full OS reinstall is too drastic and not necessary.
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.
✗
Re-onboard the device to MDE to ensure it's fully managed.
Why it's wrong here
The device is already onboarded; re-onboarding does not help investigate remnants.
✗
Run a full antivirus scan using Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
Why it's wrong here
The malware was blocked, so a scan may not reveal remnants; also slow performance may be unrelated.
✓
Initiate a live response session and run a PowerShell script to check for persistence mechanisms.
Why this is correct
Live response enables remote investigation and remediation.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Perform a full OS reinstall to ensure the device is clean.
Why it's wrong here
This is an extreme measure; first investigate whether any remnants exist.
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 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.
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.
Respond to security incidents — This question tests Respond to security incidents — 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 run a PowerShell script to check for persistence mechanisms. — Option A is correct because MDE's live response allows you to run commands and scripts on the device to check for remnants. Option B is wrong because the malware was already blocked, so an antivirus scan may not find anything new. Option C is wrong because the device is already onboarded to MDE. Option D is wrong because a full OS reinstall is too drastic and not necessary.
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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