Quick Answer
The answer is Microsoft Entra ID Protection. This solution is correct because it uses machine learning to automatically detect suspicious sign-in behaviors like impossible travel and anomalous token issuance, then enforces conditional access policies to block sign-ins or require multi-factor authentication, while also integrating threat intelligence feeds to improve detection accuracy. On the SC-900 exam, this question tests your ability to differentiate between Microsoft’s identity security tools: Entra ID Protection handles cloud sign-in risk detection and automated response, whereas Microsoft Defender for Identity focuses on on-premises Active Directory, Microsoft Sentinel is a SIEM for log analysis, and Defender for Cloud Apps governs cloud app usage. A common trap is confusing Defender for Identity with Entra ID Protection—remember that “Protection” in the name signals cloud sign-in risk, while “Defender” often points to on-premises or broader threat protection. Memory tip: think “Protection = sign-in prevention” for cloud identities.
This SC-900 practice question tests your understanding of describe the concepts of security, compliance, and identity. 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.
Fabrikam Inc. is a global manufacturing company that uses Microsoft Entra ID for identity management. They have recently experienced a security incident where an attacker compromised a user account and accessed sensitive intellectual property. The security team wants to implement identity protection measures to detect and respond to such attacks in the future. They need a solution that can automatically detect suspicious sign-in behavior, such as impossible travel and anomalous token issuance, and then take action to block the sign-in or require additional verification. Additionally, they want to integrate threat intelligence feeds to improve detection. Which Microsoft security solution should they use to meet these requirements?
Microsoft Defender for Identity
Why wrong: Focuses on on-premises Active Directory attacks.
Microsoft Entra ID Protection
Detects sign-in risks and automates responses.
Microsoft Sentinel
Why wrong: A SIEM, not an automated identity protection solution.
Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps
Why wrong: Focuses on cloud app usage, not sign-in risk detection.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Microsoft Entra ID Protection
Option C is correct. Microsoft Entra ID Protection uses machine learning to detect risks like impossible travel and anomalous token issuance, and can automatically enforce policies such as requiring MFA or blocking sign-ins. It also integrates with threat intelligence. Option A is wrong because Microsoft Defender for Identity focuses on on-premises Active Directory, not cloud sign-ins. Option B is wrong because Microsoft Sentinel is a SIEM, not an automated response tool for sign-in risks. Option D is wrong because Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps is for cloud app discovery and control, not primarily for sign-in risk detection.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Microsoft Defender for Identity
Why it's wrong here
Focuses on on-premises Active Directory attacks.
Microsoft Entra ID Protection
Why this is correct
Detects sign-in risks and automates responses.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Microsoft Sentinel
Why it's wrong here
A SIEM, not an automated identity protection solution.
Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps
Why it's wrong here
Focuses on cloud app usage, not sign-in risk detection.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
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.
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FAQ
Describe the concepts of security, compliance, and identity — This question tests Describe the concepts of security, compliance, and identity — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Microsoft Entra ID Protection — Option C is correct. Microsoft Entra ID Protection uses machine learning to detect risks like impossible travel and anomalous token issuance, and can automatically enforce policies such as requiring MFA or blocking sign-ins. It also integrates with threat intelligence. Option A is wrong because Microsoft Defender for Identity focuses on on-premises Active Directory, not cloud sign-ins. Option B is wrong because Microsoft Sentinel is a SIEM, not an automated response tool for sign-in risks. Option D is wrong because Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps is for cloud app discovery and control, not primarily for sign-in risk detection.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
This SC-900 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-900 exam.
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