The correct answer is to detect potential brute-force attacks against a specific user account. This KQL query works by counting the number of sign-in attempts from each IP address for a single target user over the last 24 hours, then filtering for IPs that have logged more than 10 attempts—a clear indicator of a brute-force pattern. On the SC-900 exam, this tests your ability to interpret KQL logic in Microsoft Sentinel, specifically how grouping by IP (not user) and applying a threshold reveals repeated login failures aimed at one account. A common trap is confusing this with a query that checks all users or MFA failures; remember, the focus here is on a single user’s IP-based activity. Memory tip: think “one user, many IPs, high count” to recall that brute-force detection hinges on volume from a single source against a single target.
SC-900 Practice Question: Describe the concepts of security, compliance, and identity
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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```kusto
SigninLogs
| where TimeGenerated > ago(1d)
| where UserPrincipalName == "user@contoso.com"
| summarize signinCount = count() by IPAddress
| where signinCount > 10
```
You run the above KQL query in Microsoft Sentinel. What is the purpose of this query?
Refer to the exhibit.
```kusto
SigninLogs
| where TimeGenerated > ago(1d)
| where UserPrincipalName == "user@contoso.com"
| summarize signinCount = count() by IPAddress
| where signinCount > 10
```
A
To detect potential brute-force attacks against a specific user account
A high number of sign-ins from a single IP suggests a brute-force attempt.
B
To find all users who signed in from multiple IP addresses
Why wrong: The query filters by one user, not all users.
C
To identify sign-ins that failed multi-factor authentication
Why wrong: The query does not filter by MFA status.
D
To list all IP addresses that accessed the tenant
Why wrong: The query only looks at one user's sign-ins.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
To detect potential brute-force attacks against a specific user account
Option B is correct because the query counts sign-ins per IP address for a specific user in the last day and filters for IPs with more than 10 sign-ins, which could indicate a brute-force attempt. Option A is wrong because it groups by user, not IP. Option C is wrong because it does not check for MFA failures. Option D is wrong because it focuses on a single user, not all users.
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.
✓
To detect potential brute-force attacks against a specific user account
Why this is correct
A high number of sign-ins from a single IP suggests a brute-force attempt.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
To find all users who signed in from multiple IP addresses
Why it's wrong here
The query filters by one user, not all users.
✗
To identify sign-ins that failed multi-factor authentication
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 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..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: To detect potential brute-force attacks against a specific user account — Option B is correct because the query counts sign-ins per IP address for a specific user in the last day and filters for IPs with more than 10 sign-ins, which could indicate a brute-force attempt. Option A is wrong because it groups by user, not IP. Option C is wrong because it does not check for MFA failures. Option D is wrong because it focuses on a single user, not all users.
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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