XDR-Analyst Evidence Review And Response Actions Practice Question
An analyst determines that a malicious file was executed on multiple endpoints within the environment. Using the Cortex XDR Query Builder (XQL Search), how can the analyst quickly locate all other instances of this specific file across the organization?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Run an XQL Search querying the dataset for the specific file_sha256 value.
XQL Search allows analysts to query dataset tables such as xdr_data using the file_sha256 field to hunt for presence across all onboarded endpoints.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Run an XQL Search querying the dataset for the specific file_sha256 value.
Why this is correct
Querying xdr_data for the file hash is the standard threat-hunting method to scope file prevalence.
- ✗
Review the Global Protect gateway traffic logs for file downloads.
Why it's wrong here
GlobalProtect logs track VPN connectivity and traffic rather than endpoint file execution inventory.
- ✗
Create a new BIOC rule and wait for the file to be executed again.
Why it's wrong here
Waiting for re-execution is reactive and does not help scope historical presence of the file.
- ✗
Export the Windows Event logs from a single machine and compare manually.
Why it's wrong here
Manual log comparison is inefficient and does not scale across enterprise-wide XDR telemetry.
About these practice questions
Courseiva writes every XDR-Analyst question from scratch — 210 in total, each with an explanation and a wrong-answer breakdown. None are copied from real exams or dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official Palo Alto Networks exam blueprint
This XDR-Analyst practice question is part of Courseiva's free Palo Alto Networks 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 XDR-Analyst exam.