The answer is to enable password hash synchronization in Microsoft Entra Connect. This is correct because Microsoft Defender for Identity relies on analyzing NTLM hash data to detect pass-the-hash attacks; without password hash synchronization, the sensor cannot compare captured hashes against the cloud-stored authentic hashes to identify anomalies. On the SC-900 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how hybrid identity components work together—specifically that MDI’s advanced detection capabilities depend on Entra Connect synchronizing password hashes to the cloud, even if you are not using cloud authentication. A common trap is assuming that sensor health or audit policies alone guarantee detection, but the missing link is the hash data itself. Remember the memory tip: “No sync, no hash; no hash, no pass-the-hash alert.”
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. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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, Contoso Ltd., has a hybrid environment with on-premises Active Directory and Microsoft Entra ID. You are deploying Microsoft Defender for Identity (MDI) to protect against identity-based attacks. You have installed the MDI sensor on domain controllers and configured the service with the necessary permissions. After installation, you notice that MDI is not generating alerts for pass-the-hash attacks. You have verified that the sensors are healthy and that audit policies are correctly configured. You need to ensure that MDI can detect pass-the-hash attacks. What should you do?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enable password hash synchronization in Microsoft Entra Connect
Option A is correct because enabling password hash synchronization (PHS) in Entra Connect allows MDI to analyze NTLM hashes and detect pass-the-hash attacks. Option B is wrong because MFA registration does not affect MDI detection. Option C is wrong because Kerberos logging is not required for pass-the-hash detection. Option D is wrong because Azure ATP agent is the legacy name; the MDI sensor is already installed.
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.
✓
Enable password hash synchronization in Microsoft Entra Connect
Why this is correct
PHS is required for MDI to detect pass-the-hash attacks.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Install the Azure ATP agent on all servers
Why it's wrong here
The MDI sensor is already installed; no additional agent needed.
✗
Enable Kerberos event logging on domain controllers
Why it's wrong here
Kerberos logging is not specifically needed for pass-the-hash.
✗
Configure multi-factor authentication for all users
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: Enable password hash synchronization in Microsoft Entra Connect — Option A is correct because enabling password hash synchronization (PHS) in Entra Connect allows MDI to analyze NTLM hashes and detect pass-the-hash attacks. Option B is wrong because MFA registration does not affect MDI detection. Option C is wrong because Kerberos logging is not required for pass-the-hash detection. Option D is wrong because Azure ATP agent is the legacy name; the MDI sensor is already installed.
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.
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-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.
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.