The answer is Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, as it is the specific security feature built into Microsoft Edge to block phishing websites and malicious content before a user can interact with them. SmartScreen works by analyzing web pages in real time against a dynamic list of reported phishing sites and suspicious downloads, using reputation checks and machine learning to prevent credential theft. On the SC-900 exam, this question tests your understanding of how Microsoft’s security solutions map to specific threats—SmartScreen is the correct choice for web-based phishing protection, while Microsoft Defender for Endpoint focuses on post-breach detection and response, not proactive web filtering. A common trap is confusing SmartScreen with broader endpoint or data governance tools, so remember that if the scenario mentions “blocking websites in the browser,” SmartScreen is your answer. Memory tip: “SmartScreen screens out scams—think of it as the browser’s bouncer for phishing sites.”
SC-900 Practice Question: Describe the capabilities of Microsoft security solutions
This SC-900 practice question tests your understanding of describe the capabilities of microsoft security solutions. 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.
A company wants to block users from accessing phishing websites via Microsoft Edge. Which Microsoft security solution should they use?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Microsoft Defender SmartScreen
Microsoft Defender SmartScreen protects against phishing and malicious websites. Option A is correct. Option B (Microsoft Defender for Endpoint) focuses on endpoint detection and response, not web filtering. Option C (Microsoft Purview) is for data governance. Option D (Microsoft Intune) is for device management.
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.
✗
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Why it's wrong here
Defender for Endpoint provides endpoint detection and response, not web filtering.
✗
Microsoft Purview
Why it's wrong here
Purview focuses on data governance and compliance.
✗
Microsoft Intune
Why it's wrong here
Intune is for mobile device management, not web protection.
✓
Microsoft Defender SmartScreen
Why this is correct
This is the correct answer because Defender SmartScreen provides real-time protection against phishing and malicious websites.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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-900 question in full detail.
Identify which SC-900 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.
Describe the capabilities of Microsoft security solutions — This question tests Describe the capabilities of Microsoft security solutions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Microsoft Defender SmartScreen — Microsoft Defender SmartScreen protects against phishing and malicious websites. Option A is correct. Option B (Microsoft Defender for Endpoint) focuses on endpoint detection and response, not web filtering. Option C (Microsoft Purview) is for data governance. Option D (Microsoft Intune) is for device management.
What should I do if I get this SC-900 question wrong?
Identify which SC-900 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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