The correct answer is DeviceEvents with ActionType == 'ScheduledTaskCreated'. This query works because the DeviceEvents table in Microsoft 365 Defender advanced hunting captures system-level actions, and the ScheduledTaskCreated action type specifically logs when a new scheduled task is created on a device, making it the precise hunting query to find newly created scheduled tasks for persistence detection. On the SC-200 exam, this tests your ability to map MITRE ATT&CK persistence techniques (T1053.005) to the correct Advanced Hunting schema—a common trap is confusing DeviceEvents with DeviceProcessEvents, which only records process launches, not task creation. Remember the memory tip: "Tasks are Events, not Processes"—if you think of scheduled tasks as system events that happen outside a process tree, you’ll always land on DeviceEvents.
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 XDR for threat hunting. You suspect a threat actor is using scheduled tasks for persistence. Which hunting query would you use in Microsoft 365 Defender advanced hunting to find newly created scheduled tasks?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
DeviceEvents | where ActionType == 'ScheduledTaskCreated'
Advanced hunting uses tables like DeviceEvents. Option B is correct because the ScheduledTaskCreated action in DeviceEvents captures scheduled task creation. Option A is incorrect because DeviceProcessEvents records process events, not scheduled tasks. Option C is incorrect because DeviceRegistryEvents is for registry changes. Option D is incorrect because DeviceFileEvents tracks file creation, not scheduled tasks directly.
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.
✓
DeviceEvents | where ActionType == 'ScheduledTaskCreated'
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
DeviceRegistryEvents | where RegistryKey contains 'Tasks'
Why it's wrong here
Registry events may show task registration but not always creation.
✗
DeviceProcessEvents | where FileName == 'schtasks.exe'
Why it's wrong here
This only shows process execution, not the actual creation.
✗
DeviceFileEvents | where FolderPath contains 'Tasks'
Why it's wrong here
File events track file creation, not scheduled task creation.
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
Registry events may show task registration but not always creation.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this SC-200 question in full detail.
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 — 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: DeviceEvents | where ActionType == 'ScheduledTaskCreated' — Advanced hunting uses tables like DeviceEvents. Option B is correct because the ScheduledTaskCreated action in DeviceEvents captures scheduled task creation. Option A is incorrect because DeviceProcessEvents records process events, not scheduled tasks. Option C is incorrect because DeviceRegistryEvents is for registry changes. Option D is incorrect because DeviceFileEvents tracks file creation, not scheduled tasks directly.
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.
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 →
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.
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.