The correct choice is to reimage the device from a clean backup. This remediation action ensures that the malware infection is completely eradicated by replacing the compromised operating system and files with a known-good image, while preserving critical data that was safely backed up before the infection occurred. In the context of the Microsoft Security Operations Analyst SC-200 exam, this question tests your understanding of the “remediate” phase in Microsoft Defender XDR incident response, specifically how to balance thoroughness with data preservation. A common trap is choosing a full antivirus scan, which may miss rootkits or persistent threats that hide from signature-based detection, or a factory reset, which destroys all data. Remember the memory tip: “Reimage from backup—clean the system, keep the data.”
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 organization uses Microsoft Defender XDR. You are investigating an incident that involves a malware infection on a Windows 10 device. The device is currently isolated from the network. The incident shows that the malware attempted to communicate with a command-and-control (C2) server. You have collected an investigation package. Now you need to remediate the device and bring it back to a clean state. The device has critical data that must not be lost. Which remediation action should you take? A) Run a full antivirus scan and remove threats. B) Perform a factory reset of the device. C) Reimage the device from a clean backup. D) Initiate a live response to manually remove the malware. Which option best balances thorough remediation with data preservation?
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 the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Reimage the device from a clean backup.
Option C is correct because reimaging from a clean backup ensures the malware is completely removed while preserving data from the backup. Option A (Full scan) may not detect all malware. Option B (Factory reset) loses all data. Option D (Live response) may miss persistent threats and is not as thorough as reimaging.
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.
✗
Initiate a live response to manually remove the malware.
Why it's wrong here
Manual removal may be incomplete and time-consuming.
✗
Run a full antivirus scan and remove threats.
Why it's wrong here
Scans may not detect all malware, leaving potential remnants.
✓
Reimage the device from a clean backup.
Why this is correct
Reimaging from a known good backup removes malware and restores data.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Perform a factory reset of the device.
Why it's wrong here
Factory reset results in complete data loss.
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 healthcare organisation deploys an application with a public-facing web tier and a private database tier. The database subnet has no public IP and only accepts connections from the web tier's security group. Questions like this test whether you can design cloud network isolation using VNets/VPCs, subnets, and security group rules.
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: Reimage the device from a clean backup. — Option C is correct because reimaging from a clean backup ensures the malware is completely removed while preserving data from the backup. Option A (Full scan) may not detect all malware. Option B (Factory reset) loses all data. Option D (Live response) may miss persistent threats and is not as thorough as reimaging.
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.
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?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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