Quick Answer
The answer is Live response, the correct feature for real-time investigation of a potential malware outbreak on a specific device. Live response in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint provides security analysts with a remote shell connection to a device, enabling them to run commands for real-time visibility into running processes, network connections, and other forensic data, which is essential for active threat hunting. On the SC-900 exam, this question tests your understanding of the difference between reactive tools (like automated investigation) and proactive, hands-on investigation capabilities. A common trap is confusing Live response with automated investigation, which handles automatic response, not real-time manual probing. Remember: Live response is your "live" remote command line for active digging, while automated investigation runs on its own. Memory tip: "Live" means you are alive in the session, typing commands in real time.
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.
Your company uses Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. You need to investigate a potential malware outbreak on a specific device. Which feature should you use to get real-time visibility into running processes and network connections?
Threat analytics
Why wrong: Threat analytics provides threat intelligence reports.
Device inventory
Why wrong: Device inventory shows managed devices but not real-time data.
Automated investigation
Why wrong: Automated investigation runs automatically after an alert.
Live response
Live response provides a remote shell to collect real-time data.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Live response
Live response in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint allows security analysts to remotely connect to a device and run commands to collect forensic data. Option C is correct. Option A is wrong because device inventory is static. Option B is wrong because threat analytics provides threat intelligence. Option D is wrong because automated investigation is for automatic response.
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.
Threat analytics
Why it's wrong here
Threat analytics provides threat intelligence reports.
Device inventory
Why it's wrong here
Device inventory shows managed devices but not real-time data.
Automated investigation
Why it's wrong here
Automated investigation runs automatically after an alert.
Live response
Why this is correct
Live response provides a remote shell to collect real-time data.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Device inventory shows managed devices but not real-time data.
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 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.
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 capabilities of Microsoft security solutions — This question tests Describe the capabilities of Microsoft security solutions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Live response — Live response in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint allows security analysts to remotely connect to a device and run commands to collect forensic data. Option C is correct. Option A is wrong because device inventory is static. Option B is wrong because threat analytics provides threat intelligence. Option D is wrong because automated investigation is for automatic response.
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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