The answer is to initiate the 'Contain device' action from Microsoft Defender XDR. This is correct because containing a device immediately isolates it from the network, cutting off the ransomware's ability to communicate laterally or with its command-and-control servers, effectively stopping the encryption spread while preserving forensic evidence. On the SC-200 exam, this tests your understanding of incident response priorities—containment before investigation—and often appears as a trap where candidates choose a full scan or investigation package instead. Remember, during a live ransomware incident, speed is critical; scanning or collecting data wastes precious time. A useful memory tip is "Isolate first, investigate second"—think of the device as a patient in quarantine before you run any tests.
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.
Your company uses Microsoft Defender XDR. A critical server is exhibiting signs of a potential ransomware attack, with files being encrypted and a ransom note appearing. The incident has been escalated to the security operations center (SOC). What is the most immediate action to contain the threat and prevent further spread?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Initiate the 'Contain device' action from Microsoft Defender XDR
Option B is correct because deploying the 'Contain device' action in Microsoft Defender XDR immediately isolates the device from the network, stopping the ransomware from spreading. Option A is wrong because running a full antivirus scan takes time and does not contain the threat. Option C is wrong because collecting an investigation package is for analysis, not containment. Option D is wrong because removing the user's access does not stop the ransomware already running on the device.
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.
✗
Collect an investigation package for analysis
Why it's wrong here
This is for investigation, not immediate containment.
✗
Disable the user account that was logged on
Why it's wrong here
The ransomware is already running; disabling the account does not stop the process.
✓
Initiate the 'Contain device' action from Microsoft Defender XDR
Why this is correct
This isolates the device, stopping lateral movement and encryption.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Run a full antivirus scan on the server
Why it's wrong here
Scanning does not contain the threat; it only detects.
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 company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
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 the 'Contain device' action from Microsoft Defender XDR — Option B is correct because deploying the 'Contain device' action in Microsoft Defender XDR immediately isolates the device from the network, stopping the ransomware from spreading. Option A is wrong because running a full antivirus scan takes time and does not contain the threat. Option C is wrong because collecting an investigation package is for analysis, not containment. Option D is wrong because removing the user's access does not stop the ransomware already running on the device.
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.
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 →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Your company uses Microsoft Defender XDR. During a ransomware incident, you need to isolate a compromised Windows 10 device from the network while allowing connectivity to the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint service. Which action should you take?
hard
✓ A.Initiate a Full isolation from the device's action menu.
B.Contain the device from the Microsoft Defender XDR portal.
C.Apply a firewall rule to block all outbound traffic.
D.Run a selective isolation to block only external connections.
Why A: Option D is correct because the Full isolation type in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint blocks all network traffic except to the Defender service. Option A (Selective isolation) is not a valid isolation type. Option B (Contain) is not an isolation action. Option C (Block all traffic) would prevent the device from receiving updates and reporting to Defender.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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