The answer is the query IdentityDirectoryEvents | where Timestamp > ago(30d) and ActionType == 'DCSync'. This is correct because DCSync attacks abuse the Directory Replication Service Remote Protocol to impersonate a domain controller and request password hashes, making it a directory service action rather than a logon or query event. The IdentityDirectoryEvents table specifically captures these directory service actions, including replication-based attacks like DCSync, while IdentityLogonEvents tracks authentication attempts and IdentityQueryEvents tracks LDAP queries, both of which miss the core replication behavior. On the SC-200 exam, this question tests your ability to map attack techniques to the correct advanced hunting table and ActionType, with a common trap being to confuse DCSync with a query or logon event. Remember the memory tip: DCSync is about directory replication, not a logon or query—so think “Directory Sync” for IdentityDirectoryEvents.
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.
Your organization uses Microsoft Defender for Identity (MDI) to monitor on-premises Active Directory. As a threat hunter, you receive an alert about a potential DCSync attack. You want to hunt for any other instances of this attack across your domain controllers over the past 30 days. Which hunting query should you run in Microsoft 365 Defender advanced hunting?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
IdentityDirectoryEvents | where Timestamp > ago(30d) and ActionType == 'DCSync'
Option C correctly uses the IdentityDirectoryEvents table to filter for DCSync attack type. Option A uses IdentityLogonEvents which is for logons, not directory replication; Option B uses IdentityQueryEvents but DCSync is a directory service attack, not a query; Option D uses the wrong table entirely.
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.
✗
DeviceEvents | where Timestamp > ago(30d) and ActionType == 'DCSync'
Why it's wrong here
DeviceEvents is for endpoint events, not identity attacks.
✓
IdentityDirectoryEvents | where Timestamp > ago(30d) and ActionType == 'DCSync'
Why this is correct
Correct table and action type for DCSync hunting.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
IdentityLogonEvents | where Timestamp > ago(30d) and ActionType == 'DCSync'
Why it's wrong here
DCSync is not a logon event type.
✗
IdentityQueryEvents | where Timestamp > ago(30d) and ActionType == 'DCSync'
Why it's wrong here
DCSync is a directory replication attack, not a query.
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.
Perform threat hunting — This question tests Perform threat hunting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: IdentityDirectoryEvents | where Timestamp > ago(30d) and ActionType == 'DCSync' — Option C correctly uses the IdentityDirectoryEvents table to filter for DCSync attack type. Option A uses IdentityLogonEvents which is for logons, not directory replication; Option B uses IdentityQueryEvents but DCSync is a directory service attack, not a query; Option D uses the wrong table entirely.
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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