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Question 136
A company needs to monitor its overall security posture in Microsoft 365 and receive recommendations to improve it. Which SC-900 service should they use?
A) Microsoft Secure Score
B) Microsoft Entra Conditional Access
C) Microsoft Sentinel
D) Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention
Correct Answer: A)
Explanation
Microsoft Secure Score is a comprehensive security analytics tool designed to help organizations monitor and improve their security posture across Microsoft 365 services. In SC-900, understanding Secure Score is critical because it enables security administrators to assess the effectiveness of current security configurations and receive actionable recommendations to reduce risk and prevent potential threats.
Secure Score works by evaluating various aspects of an organization’s environment, including identity management, data protection, device compliance, threat protection, and application security. The tool assigns a numerical score that reflects the organization’s current security posture relative to Microsoft’s recommended best practices. This scoring mechanism allows administrators to quickly gauge how well their environment is configured and identify areas that require attention.
One of the key features of Secure Score is actionable recommendations. For each configuration, policy, or security practice that can be improved, Secure Score provides detailed guidance on what action to take, why it is important, and the potential impact on overall security posture. For example, it may recommend enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all users, configuring Conditional Access policies to enforce device compliance, or deploying DLP policies to protect sensitive data. These recommendations are prioritized based on their potential risk reduction impact, helping organizations focus on the most critical security improvements first.
Secure Score continuously monitors the environment and updates the score in real-time as changes are made, providing a dynamic view of security posture. Organizations can also track progress over time, comparing historical scores to understand the impact of implemented recommendations and to measure security improvements. Integration with other Microsoft security solutions, such as Microsoft Entra, Microsoft Purview, Microsoft Defender, and Microsoft Sentinel, enhances visibility and allows organizations to implement recommendations in a coordinated and efficient manner.
Another advantage of Secure Score is the ability to generate reports for stakeholders, including IT leadership, compliance officers, and auditors. These reports provide insights into the current security status, areas of improvement, and progress against recommended practices. This helps organizations demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies. Additionally, Secure Score allows organizations to simulate potential security improvements before implementation, enabling risk-free planning and strategic decision-making.
Option B, Microsoft Entra Conditional Access, enforces access control policies but does not measure overall security posture or provide improvement recommendations. Option C, Microsoft Sentinel, focuses on monitoring, threat detection, and incident response rather than providing a quantified security score. Option D, Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention, is specifically aimed at protecting sensitive information but does not evaluate overall security posture or provide actionable recommendations.
Implementing Secure Score allows organizations to gain a holistic view of their Microsoft 365 security environment, understand which configurations and practices are most critical to improving security, and prioritize actions that deliver the highest risk reduction. By using Secure Score, administrators can ensure that their environment is aligned with best practices, proactively address vulnerabilities, enhance compliance, and provide measurable improvements in their security posture. This aligns closely with SC-900 principles, emphasizing proactive monitoring, risk reduction, and comprehensive security management.
Question 137
A company wants to protect sensitive documents in SharePoint and OneDrive by classifying and applying labels automatically. Which SC-900 service should they use?
A) Microsoft Purview Information Protection
B) Microsoft Sentinel
C) Microsoft Entra Conditional Access
D) Microsoft Secure Score
Correct Answer: A)
Explanation
Microsoft Purview Information Protection (MIP) is designed to classify, label, and protect sensitive data within Microsoft 365 services such as SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams. Understanding MIP in SC-900 is crucial because it allows organizations to enforce data protection policies automatically, reducing the risk of accidental data exposure or unauthorized access.
MIP operates by applying sensitivity labels to documents and emails. These labels can be applied manually by users, by administrators, or automatically through rules and conditions defined by the organization. For example, a policy can automatically classify documents containing credit card numbers, social security numbers, or proprietary business information as “Confidential” and apply encryption and access restrictions accordingly. Automatic classification is driven by content analysis, context, and pre-defined rules, ensuring consistency and accuracy across the organization.
Sensitivity labels allow for granular control over access and sharing. For instance, documents labeled as confidential can be encrypted, and only specific users or groups are granted access. Additionally, sharing restrictions can be enforced, preventing external recipients from accessing sensitive documents unless explicitly authorized. Labels also travel with the content, ensuring protection even if documents are shared outside the organization.
Integration with Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and Microsoft Entra Conditional Access further strengthens data protection. DLP policies can enforce sharing restrictions based on labels, while Conditional Access can ensure that only compliant devices and authenticated users access sensitive content. Administrators gain visibility into label usage, policy enforcement, and data sharing activities, allowing them to monitor compliance and adjust policies as needed.
Option B, Microsoft Sentinel, focuses on threat detection and monitoring but does not classify or label sensitive data. Option C, Microsoft Entra Conditional Access, controls access but does not apply data classification or labeling. Option D, Microsoft Secure Score, measures security posture but does not provide document classification or protection capabilities.
Using Microsoft Purview Information Protection, organizations can ensure that sensitive documents in SharePoint and OneDrive are classified, labeled, and protected automatically. This reduces the risk of accidental data leaks, enforces consistent policies, and provides visibility and control over sensitive information across the enterprise. MIP aligns with SC-900 principles by emphasizing proactive data protection, automated policy enforcement, and integrated security management across Microsoft 365 environments.
Question 138
A company wants to ensure that only authorized devices that comply with security policies can access Microsoft 365 resources. Which SC-900 service should they use?
A) Microsoft Entra Conditional Access
B) Microsoft Sentinel
C) Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention
D) Microsoft Secure Score
Correct Answer: A)
Explanation
Microsoft Entra Conditional Access allows organizations to enforce policies that ensure only authorized and compliant devices can access Microsoft 365 resources. In SC-900, Conditional Access is critical because it implements zero-trust security principles, verifying the compliance of devices, user identity, location, and application context before granting access.
Device compliance is typically managed through Microsoft Intune, which defines rules for devices, including operating system version, encryption status, antivirus presence, security patch levels, and more. Conditional Access integrates with Intune to verify device compliance in real time. When a user attempts to access Microsoft 365 resources, the Conditional Access policy evaluates signals such as the user’s identity, device compliance status, location, and risk level. If the device is not compliant, access can be blocked or restricted to a limited session to mitigate security risks.
Conditional Access policies can be fine-tuned to enforce different levels of access based on sensitivity. For example, highly sensitive applications like financial reporting or HR systems may require MFA, compliant devices, and access from trusted locations, while less sensitive applications may allow access with fewer requirements. Session controls, integrated with Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps, allow administrators to limit user actions during access, such as preventing downloads or restricting copy-paste functions, further protecting sensitive data.
Option B, Microsoft Sentinel, focuses on monitoring and threat detection but does not enforce real-time access policies. Option C, Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention, is aimed at preventing accidental data exposure but does not control device access. Option D, Microsoft Secure Score, provides security posture recommendations but does not enforce access controls.
By implementing Conditional Access with device compliance, organizations ensure that only authorized and secure devices access Microsoft 365 resources. This reduces the risk of data breaches, enforces zero-trust security principles, and ensures alignment with organizational security policies. Conditional Access provides a dynamic, signal-based approach to security, integrating identity and device compliance to deliver granular access control, visibility, and protection across cloud and on-premises resources, fully aligning with SC-900 objectives.
Question 139
A company wants to monitor security incidents across Microsoft 365, detect threats in real-time, and respond to suspicious activity. Which SC-900 service should they use?
A) Microsoft Sentinel
B) Microsoft Entra Conditional Access
C) Microsoft Secure Score
D) Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention
Correct Answer: A)
Explanation
Microsoft Sentinel is a cloud-native Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) and Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) solution. It is designed to provide organizations with real-time monitoring, threat detection, and response capabilities across Microsoft 365 and other cloud and on-premises environments. Understanding Sentinel in SC-900 is essential because it allows security teams to proactively detect threats, investigate incidents, and respond quickly to potential breaches or suspicious activity.
Sentinel collects data from various sources, including Microsoft 365, Azure services, endpoints, network devices, and custom applications. It aggregates and correlates this data to detect anomalous behaviors, security incidents, and potential breaches. Through advanced analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning models, Sentinel identifies suspicious patterns that may indicate malicious activity, such as unusual login attempts, compromised accounts, or abnormal data exfiltration.
One of the primary benefits of Microsoft Sentinel is its ability to provide a centralized view of security incidents. Security teams can visualize alerts on dashboards, drill down into specific incidents, and analyze the root causes of threats. Sentinel integrates with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Microsoft 365 Defender, and other Microsoft security tools to provide a unified security monitoring experience. This integration allows organizations to detect and respond to threats more efficiently while reducing alert fatigue by prioritizing high-risk incidents.
Sentinel also supports automated response workflows using playbooks. Playbooks are collections of automated actions that can be triggered in response to specific alerts or incidents. For example, when a compromised account is detected, a playbook can automatically disable the account, notify the security team, isolate affected devices, and initiate forensic investigation processes. These automation capabilities enhance incident response times and reduce the manual workload for security analysts.
Another key feature of Sentinel is threat intelligence integration. Organizations can ingest threat intelligence feeds from Microsoft or third-party sources to enhance detection capabilities. Sentinel correlates known indicators of compromise (IOCs) with observed events, providing actionable insights into potential threats. This capability is critical for proactive defense, enabling organizations to identify and mitigate threats before they escalate into security breaches.
Option B, Microsoft Entra Conditional Access, focuses on access control and device compliance but does not provide SIEM or incident response capabilities. Option C, Microsoft Secure Score, measures security posture but does not perform real-time monitoring or threat detection. Option D, Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention, is aimed at preventing sensitive data exposure but does not detect or respond to security incidents.
Using Microsoft Sentinel allows organizations to implement a robust security monitoring and response strategy, which is a core component of SC-900 objectives. It enables proactive threat detection, automated incident response, comprehensive visibility across environments, and integration with other Microsoft security services. Sentinel equips security teams to manage risks effectively, reduce exposure to threats, and ensure compliance with regulatory and organizational security requirements, aligning with zero-trust principles and proactive security management strategies.
Question 140
A company wants to prevent employees from sharing confidential documents outside the organization via email or cloud apps. Which SC-900 service should they use?
A) Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention
B) Microsoft Secure Score
C) Microsoft Entra Conditional Access
D) Microsoft Sentinel
Correct Answer: A)
Explanation
Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is designed to detect, monitor, and prevent the unauthorized sharing of sensitive information across Microsoft 365 services, including Exchange Online, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams. Understanding DLP in SC-900 is important because it helps organizations protect sensitive data, ensure compliance with regulations, and reduce the risk of accidental or malicious data leaks.
DLP works by defining policies that identify sensitive information, such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, financial data, or proprietary business information. These policies specify the actions to take when sensitive data is detected, including blocking the sharing of content, sending alerts to administrators, or encrypting the content automatically. Policies can be configured based on content type, location, user group, or specific risk scenarios.
A core feature of DLP is the ability to monitor and restrict actions across multiple channels. For email, DLP can prevent sending messages containing sensitive data to external recipients. In cloud storage like OneDrive and SharePoint, DLP can restrict sharing of files based on sensitivity labels or detected content. Integration with Microsoft Purview Information Protection allows organizations to apply sensitivity labels that travel with the content, enhancing the effectiveness of DLP policies.
DLP also supports user education and contextual guidance. When a user attempts to share sensitive information, DLP can provide notifications explaining why the action is blocked and suggest corrective actions. This helps reduce accidental violations and encourages users to follow security best practices without disrupting productivity. Administrators receive detailed logs and reports about policy enforcement, attempts to share sensitive data, and trends in data exposure risk. These insights support compliance reporting and continuous improvement of data protection strategies.
Option B, Microsoft Secure Score, evaluates overall security posture but does not prevent sharing of sensitive content. Option C, Microsoft Entra Conditional Access, manages access controls but does not prevent data leaks. Option D, Microsoft Sentinel, focuses on threat detection and incident response rather than real-time data protection.
By implementing Microsoft Purview DLP, organizations ensure that sensitive data remains within authorized boundaries, employees understand sharing restrictions, and the risk of data breaches is significantly reduced. DLP policies enforce consistent protection across communication channels and storage services, making it a critical component of an organization’s data protection strategy. DLP aligns with SC-900 principles by emphasizing proactive monitoring, automated enforcement of data protection policies, and integration with broader Microsoft security solutions to safeguard organizational assets.
Question 141
A company wants to enforce strong identity verification and multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all employees before they access sensitive Microsoft 365 resources. Which SC-900 service should they use?
A) Microsoft Entra Conditional Access
B) Microsoft Secure Score
C) Microsoft Sentinel
D) Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention
Correct Answer: A)
Explanation
Microsoft Entra Conditional Access allows organizations to implement policies that enforce strong authentication requirements, including multi-factor authentication (MFA), for accessing Microsoft 365 resources. Understanding Conditional Access in SC-900 is essential because it ensures that only verified users on compliant devices can access sensitive information, aligning with zero-trust security principles.
Conditional Access evaluates multiple signals before granting access. These signals include user identity, group membership, device compliance, location, application sensitivity, and risk level. Policies can be configured to require MFA for specific scenarios, such as accessing sensitive financial systems, human resources applications, or external collaboration tools. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide a second verification factor, such as a mobile app notification, SMS code, or hardware token, making it significantly harder for unauthorized users to gain access even if credentials are compromised.
Integration with Microsoft Intune enables Conditional Access to enforce device compliance. Devices that do not meet security requirements, such as outdated operating systems, lack of encryption, or missing antivirus software, can be blocked from accessing resources until compliance is restored. Session controls allow administrators to limit user actions, such as downloading sensitive files or copying content, further protecting organizational data.
Option B, Microsoft Secure Score, measures security posture but does not enforce MFA or access control policies. Option C, Microsoft Sentinel, focuses on monitoring and threat detection but not access enforcement. Option D, Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention, prevents data leaks but does not manage user authentication or MFA.
By implementing Conditional Access with enforced MFA, organizations ensure that identity verification is strong, users are properly authenticated, and access to sensitive resources is restricted to authorized personnel. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access, strengthens security posture, and supports compliance requirements. Conditional Access policies allow organizations to implement granular controls, adapt security requirements dynamically based on risk factors, and integrate with broader Microsoft security tools for comprehensive protection, fully aligning with SC-900 security objectives.
Question 142
A company wants to assess its overall security posture across Microsoft 365, identify gaps, and get recommendations for improvement. Which SC-900 service should they use?
A) Microsoft Secure Score
B) Microsoft Entra Conditional Access
C) Microsoft Sentinel
D) Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention
Correct Answer: A)
Explanation
Microsoft Secure Score is a centralized assessment tool that helps organizations understand their security posture across Microsoft 365. It evaluates configurations, user behaviors, and implemented security controls, providing a numerical score that represents the current security state. Understanding Secure Score in SC-900 is vital because it allows organizations to continuously measure and improve their security posture by identifying areas of vulnerability and implementing recommended actions.
Secure Score collects data from multiple Microsoft 365 services, including Exchange Online, SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams, Azure AD, and Microsoft Defender products. It analyzes configuration settings, identifies gaps in security controls, and provides a prioritized list of recommendations to reduce risk. Recommendations range from enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA), implementing conditional access policies, securing privileged accounts, configuring device compliance policies, or reviewing external sharing permissions. Each recommendation includes an explanation of the risk it mitigates, the potential impact, and guidance on implementation.
One of the key benefits of Secure Score is visibility and transparency. Organizations can track improvements over time, measure the effectiveness of implemented controls, and demonstrate progress to management and auditors. Secure Score also supports role-based access, allowing administrators to delegate reporting, monitor trends, and track compliance across different departments or business units. This makes it an essential tool for organizations seeking a structured, measurable approach to security management.
Secure Score integrates closely with other Microsoft security services. For example, enabling MFA recommendations can be directly linked to Conditional Access policies, while recommendations for device compliance can be aligned with Intune policies. These integrations make it easier for organizations to implement a cohesive security strategy and ensure alignment with zero-trust principles. Additionally, Secure Score helps organizations prioritize actions based on risk impact, ensuring that the most critical vulnerabilities are addressed first, thereby reducing the overall attack surface and exposure to potential threats.
Option B, Microsoft Entra Conditional Access, focuses on access controls but does not provide an overall security assessment. Option C, Microsoft Sentinel, is for monitoring and responding to incidents but does not score security posture. Option D, Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention, prevents data leaks but does not measure the organization’s security strength or provide recommendations for improvement.
Secure Score also allows organizations to benchmark against industry standards and peer organizations. This benchmarking feature helps companies understand how their security posture compares with similar organizations, identify areas for improvement, and adopt best practices. The scoring mechanism is designed to be actionable, providing clear steps and guidance that are feasible to implement in real-world organizational settings.
By leveraging Microsoft Secure Score, organizations can systematically monitor, measure, and improve their security posture. It empowers IT and security teams to focus on high-priority actions, reduce risk, and continuously enhance protection against cyber threats. Secure Score supports SC-900 learning objectives by emphasizing the importance of proactive security management, visibility, and continuous improvement across Microsoft 365 environments, helping organizations achieve a stronger security foundation aligned with organizational and regulatory requirements.
Question 143
A company wants to ensure that employees cannot access corporate data from non-compliant devices. Which SC-900 service should they use?
A) Microsoft Entra Conditional Access
B) Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention
C) Microsoft Sentinel
D) Microsoft Secure Score
Correct Answer: A)
Explanation
Microsoft Entra Conditional Access allows organizations to enforce access policies based on device compliance and other risk signals. In SC-900, understanding Conditional Access is essential because it enables organizations to protect corporate data by ensuring that only compliant and secure devices can access sensitive resources. This reduces the risk of data exposure due to compromised or unmanaged devices.
Conditional Access policies evaluate multiple signals before granting access. Device compliance is a primary signal, which checks whether a device meets the organization’s security standards, such as having up-to-date operating systems, encryption enabled, antivirus software running, and compliance with Intune policies. Access can be granted, restricted, or blocked based on compliance status. This capability ensures that corporate resources are not accessed from insecure or unmanaged devices, which could otherwise be vulnerable to malware, unauthorized access, or data exfiltration.
Another critical feature is integration with other security tools. Conditional Access works with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint to assess device health and risk, with Microsoft Intune to enforce compliance policies, and with Microsoft 365 services to protect email, SharePoint, Teams, and OneDrive data. Conditional Access can also require multi-factor authentication (MFA) for users on non-compliant or high-risk devices, adding an extra layer of security and mitigating the risk of compromised credentials.
Option B, Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention, prevents data leaks but does not enforce access based on device compliance. Option C, Microsoft Sentinel, focuses on monitoring and incident response rather than proactive access control. Option D, Microsoft Secure Score, evaluates security posture but does not prevent access from non-compliant devices.
Conditional Access allows administrators to create granular policies based on device type, operating system, geographic location, user risk level, or application sensitivity. This granularity supports flexible and adaptive security enforcement that aligns with business needs while maintaining a strong security posture. Session controls can also limit user actions, such as blocking downloads or restricting copying, for non-compliant devices that are granted temporary access.
By implementing Conditional Access, organizations reduce the risk of data breaches and ensure that only devices meeting organizational standards can access sensitive resources. This approach aligns with zero-trust principles by continuously verifying device health, user identity, and access risk before granting access. Conditional Access policies empower organizations to maintain control over data access, enforce consistent security standards, and reduce exposure to potential security threats. In SC-900, Conditional Access demonstrates the integration of identity, device, and risk management to ensure secure access across Microsoft 365 environments.
Question 144
A company wants to track the sharing of sensitive files internally and externally and get alerts when sensitive content is shared inappropriately. Which SC-900 service should they use?
A) Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention
B) Microsoft Sentinel
C) Microsoft Entra Conditional Access
D) Microsoft Secure Score
Correct Answer: A)
Explanation
Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention (DLP) helps organizations monitor and control the sharing of sensitive information across Microsoft 365. In SC-900, understanding DLP is critical because it enables organizations to track sensitive content, prevent unauthorized sharing, and alert administrators when policy violations occur. This proactive monitoring supports data protection, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation.
DLP policies can be configured to detect sensitive data types such as personally identifiable information (PII), financial records, health records, and intellectual property. Policies can apply to content shared via email, OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams, or other Microsoft 365 services. When sensitive content is detected, DLP can block sharing, send alerts to administrators, notify users of policy violations, and enforce encryption automatically. This ensures that sensitive information does not leave authorized boundaries.
DLP also provides visibility and reporting capabilities. Administrators can review logs of DLP events, track policy violations, and analyze trends in data exposure. This information is valuable for auditing, compliance reporting, and improving policies over time. By integrating with sensitivity labels in Microsoft Purview Information Protection, DLP can apply automated protections that travel with the content, ensuring persistent security even when files are downloaded or shared externally.
Option B, Microsoft Sentinel, focuses on threat detection rather than content monitoring. Option C, Microsoft Entra Conditional Access, controls access but does not track file sharing. Option D, Microsoft Secure Score, measures overall security posture but does not monitor or enforce data sharing policies.
DLP supports contextual enforcement by considering the user, location, device, and application. For example, sharing sensitive content within the organization might be allowed, while sharing externally triggers alerts or blocks. DLP also supports policy tips, which provide guidance to users about secure sharing practices, reducing accidental data leaks.
Implementing DLP ensures that sensitive organizational content is protected, sharing is controlled, and policy violations are promptly detected. It helps organizations meet regulatory compliance requirements, reduce insider threats, and enhance overall data governance. In SC-900, DLP illustrates the importance of data protection, monitoring, and proactive enforcement of security policies to safeguard sensitive information across Microsoft 365 services.
Question 145
A company wants to ensure that only users with verified identities can access sensitive applications. Which SC-900 service should they implement?
A) Microsoft Entra Identity Protection
B) Microsoft Secure Score
C) Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention
D) Microsoft Sentinel
Correct Answer: A)
Explanation
Microsoft Entra Identity Protection is designed to manage and protect identities across Microsoft 365, Azure, and other connected environments. In SC-900, understanding Entra Identity Protection is critical because identity compromise is one of the most common vectors for security breaches. Identity Protection allows organizations to detect and respond to risky sign-ins, enforce adaptive policies, and ensure that only verified users gain access to sensitive applications.
Entra Identity Protection evaluates risk by analyzing signals such as unusual sign-in locations, unfamiliar devices, impossible travel scenarios, and suspicious activities like multiple failed login attempts. These signals are aggregated to generate a risk score for users, sign-ins, and overall organizational identity activity. Policies can then enforce actions like requiring multi-factor authentication (MFA), password resets, or blocking access for high-risk users. This proactive approach ensures that users whose credentials might be compromised cannot access sensitive resources, protecting organizational data.
Integration with Conditional Access allows for dynamic, risk-based access controls. For instance, if a user’s risk score exceeds a defined threshold, Conditional Access policies can require MFA before access is granted or temporarily block access until the risk is remediated. Entra Identity Protection also provides reporting and analytics that allow administrators to monitor trends in risky sign-ins, identify potential compromised accounts, and respond efficiently to security incidents.
Option B, Microsoft Secure Score, evaluates overall security posture but does not actively manage identity risks. Option C, Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention, focuses on protecting data but does not monitor identity compromise. Option D, Microsoft Sentinel, is designed for security monitoring and incident response, not identity enforcement.
Identity Protection supports automated remediation by enabling policies that can automatically respond to risk events. For example, users exhibiting high-risk sign-in behavior can be required to complete MFA verification or update credentials before regaining access. This reduces administrative overhead while maintaining robust security controls. Moreover, administrators can investigate incidents in detail, viewing contextual information such as device type, location, and application being accessed.
Entra Identity Protection aligns with zero-trust principles, emphasizing the verification of every access attempt regardless of network location or device. By continuously assessing identity risks and enforcing policies based on risk signals, organizations can significantly reduce the likelihood of unauthorized access. This service supports SC-900 learning objectives by demonstrating how identity management, risk assessment, and conditional policies work together to protect critical resources and ensure secure access across Microsoft 365 and Azure environments.
Question 146
A company needs to monitor suspicious activities, receive alerts for potential threats, and investigate incidents in real time across Microsoft 365. Which SC-900 service should they use?
A) Microsoft Sentinel
B) Microsoft Entra Conditional Access
C) Microsoft Secure Score
D) Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention
Correct Answer: A)
Explanation
Microsoft Sentinel is a cloud-native Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) and Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) solution. In SC-900, understanding Sentinel is essential because it provides organizations with the tools to detect, investigate, and respond to threats in real time, offering a comprehensive view of security events across Microsoft 365 and other integrated environments.
Sentinel collects data from multiple sources including Microsoft 365, Azure, on-premises environments, and third-party applications. It ingests logs, alerts, and telemetry, then applies advanced analytics, machine learning, and threat intelligence to detect suspicious activities and potential security incidents. By correlating events from different sources, Sentinel can identify complex attack patterns that might go unnoticed if monitored in isolation.
Real-time alerting in Sentinel ensures that security teams are notified immediately when potential threats are detected. Alerts can be customized based on severity, source, and type of threat, enabling organizations to prioritize responses. Sentinel also provides dashboards, workbooks, and visualizations that help security analysts quickly understand the scope and impact of incidents. This proactive monitoring allows for faster containment and mitigation of threats, reducing risk to organizational data and systems.
Option B, Microsoft Entra Conditional Access, controls access based on risk but does not provide full SIEM capabilities. Option C, Microsoft Secure Score, evaluates security posture but does not monitor threats. Option D, Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention, monitors sensitive data sharing but does not track security incidents or suspicious activity.
Sentinel also supports automation through playbooks, which can automatically respond to alerts using Logic Apps. For example, if a risky sign-in is detected, Sentinel can trigger a workflow to notify administrators, block the account, require a password reset, or perform other remediation actions without manual intervention. This reduces response time, increases operational efficiency, and ensures consistent application of security controls.
The integration of Sentinel with threat intelligence feeds enhances detection by enabling organizations to recognize known malicious actors and attack vectors. Additionally, security analysts can use Sentinel to perform forensic investigations, uncover root causes, and gather evidence for compliance reporting. Sentinel’s scalability allows organizations of any size to ingest large volumes of telemetry data, apply complex analytics, and respond effectively to security incidents.
For SC-900, Sentinel demonstrates the importance of monitoring, detecting, and responding to security threats in a coordinated and automated manner. It highlights how visibility, analytics, and automation combine to reduce risk, strengthen security posture, and ensure rapid response to incidents across Microsoft 365 and related cloud services.
Question 147
A company wants to classify documents based on sensitivity and automatically apply protection labels to prevent unauthorized access. Which SC-900 service should they use?
A) Microsoft Purview Information Protection
B) Microsoft Secure Score
C) Microsoft Entra Conditional Access
D) Microsoft Sentinel
Correct Answer: A)
Explanation
Microsoft Purview Information Protection enables organizations to classify, label, and protect sensitive information across Microsoft 365. In SC-900, understanding Information Protection is essential because it allows organizations to control access to sensitive data, enforce security policies, and maintain compliance with regulatory standards. By automatically classifying and labeling documents, organizations can ensure that sensitive information is consistently protected regardless of where it is stored or shared.
Information Protection uses sensitivity labels that can be manually applied by users or automatically applied based on content inspection. Labels can enforce encryption, restrict access to specific users or groups, prevent copying or printing, and define data retention policies. Automatic labeling relies on built-in or custom sensitive information types, such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, or proprietary business data. This ensures that sensitive content is consistently protected even if users attempt to share it externally or store it in unsecured locations.
Option B, Microsoft Secure Score, evaluates security posture but does not classify or protect data. Option C, Microsoft Entra Conditional Access, controls access but does not provide content-level classification. Option D, Microsoft Sentinel, monitors threats and incidents but does not classify or protect documents.
Information Protection integrates with Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention, allowing enforcement of protection policies based on the classification of content. For example, a file labeled as “Confidential” can trigger DLP rules to prevent sharing outside the organization. This integration ensures that classification is not merely cosmetic but actively enforces security and compliance policies.
Additionally, Purview Information Protection supports reporting and auditing. Administrators can track label usage, monitor protected content, and generate compliance reports. This visibility is crucial for regulatory audits, risk management, and internal governance. By applying protection labels consistently across all Microsoft 365 services, organizations reduce the risk of accidental data leaks, unauthorized access, and compliance violations.
Automated labeling and protection help organizations implement a zero-trust approach to data security by ensuring that access controls and encryption are enforced at the content level, rather than relying solely on network or perimeter security. Users are guided to follow best practices, while automated mechanisms enforce policies consistently and reduce human error.
For SC-900, Purview Information Protection illustrates how organizations can classify, label, and protect data proactively, maintaining control over sensitive content while supporting compliance and governance initiatives. It demonstrates the critical role of content-level security in preventing data breaches and ensuring that sensitive organizational information is protected across all environments and devices.
Question 148
A company wants to ensure that only compliant devices can access corporate resources. Which SC-900 service should they use?
A) Microsoft Entra Conditional Access
B) Microsoft Secure Score
C) Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention
D) Microsoft Sentinel
Correct Answer: A)
Explanation
Microsoft Entra Conditional Access is an essential service for enforcing policies that determine how users access corporate resources based on device compliance, location, risk, and other conditions. In the context of SC-900, Conditional Access illustrates the zero-trust principle by verifying every access attempt rather than assuming trust based on network location. Conditional Access works by evaluating signals such as user identity, device compliance, geolocation, risk score, and session context to enforce access decisions in real time.
Conditional Access policies are flexible, allowing organizations to require multi-factor authentication (MFA), block access, enforce device compliance checks, or require specific application protections. For example, a policy can ensure that a user attempting to access email from an unmanaged or non-compliant device is blocked or forced to enroll the device into Intune before access is granted. This protects sensitive corporate data from being exposed to insecure devices while supporting productivity for compliant users.
Option B, Microsoft Secure Score, measures the organization’s security posture and provides recommendations but does not enforce access controls. Option C, Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention, prevents data leakage but does not determine device compliance for access. Option D, Microsoft Sentinel monitors and analyzes security events but does not directly enforce access controls.
Conditional Access integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Intune and Entra Identity Protection. Device compliance is verified against policies defined in Intune, such as requiring encryption, updated OS versions, or endpoint protection. These compliance signals are then evaluated in real time by Conditional Access to allow or block access to Microsoft 365 apps, SharePoint, Teams, and other corporate resources. This ensures that only devices meeting organizational security standards can interact with critical data.
The service also enables adaptive access decisions based on risk assessment. High-risk sign-ins, for instance, may require additional authentication, temporary access restrictions, or remediation actions before full access is granted. Risk signals are derived from patterns such as unusual sign-in locations, atypical IP addresses, or known malicious activity. This allows organizations to respond dynamically to evolving threats while maintaining user productivity for low-risk scenarios.
Administrators can define granular policies targeting specific users, groups, applications, and conditions. They can monitor the effectiveness of these policies through detailed reporting and logs that provide insights into blocked sign-ins, compliant devices, and applied policies. These insights are critical for refining policies, improving security posture, and demonstrating compliance with regulatory requirements.
In SC-900, Entra Conditional Access exemplifies the practical application of identity and device management to secure access. It highlights how integrating identity protection, device compliance, and conditional policies supports zero-trust security while ensuring that legitimate users can maintain productivity across corporate environments and remote locations. By enforcing access based on real-time evaluation of identity and device signals, organizations reduce the risk of unauthorized access and enhance protection of corporate resources.
Question 149
A company wants to evaluate its Microsoft 365 security posture and receive prioritized recommendations for improvements. Which SC-900 service should they use?
A) Microsoft Secure Score
B) Microsoft Sentinel
C) Microsoft Purview Information Protection
D) Microsoft Entra Identity Protection
Correct Answer: A)
Explanation
Microsoft Secure Score provides organizations with an assessment of their security posture across Microsoft 365. In SC-900, it demonstrates the importance of continuous security evaluation and improvement. Secure Score calculates a numeric value based on the organization’s configuration and activity in Microsoft 365, assigning points to security practices that have been implemented and recommending actions to strengthen defenses.
Secure Score analyzes multiple domains, including identity and access management, device security, information protection, threat protection, and data governance. It identifies areas where security controls can be improved and provides actionable recommendations prioritized by their impact on overall security posture. For example, enabling MFA for all users, implementing Conditional Access policies, or applying sensitivity labels to sensitive documents are common recommendations.
Option B, Microsoft Sentinel, focuses on monitoring and responding to threats rather than evaluating posture. Option C, Microsoft Purview Information Protection, classifies and protects sensitive data but does not provide overall security scoring. Option D, Microsoft Entra Identity Protection, monitors identity risk but does not offer a complete posture evaluation across all Microsoft 365 services.
Secure Score allows organizations to track improvements over time, demonstrating progress toward better security practices. Administrators can assign tasks to teams, implement recommended configurations, and view potential impact scores to focus on high-value improvements first. This prioritization helps allocate resources efficiently and ensures that the most critical security gaps are addressed promptly.
Integration with other Microsoft 365 services enhances the usefulness of Secure Score. For example, recommended actions often include enabling Intune device compliance policies, applying Microsoft Purview DLP rules, or configuring Conditional Access policies. This holistic approach ensures that improvements address multiple layers of security, from identity and access to data protection and device management.
In SC-900, Secure Score illustrates the importance of proactive security management. Organizations can use it to benchmark their current state, identify risks, and implement structured improvements to meet compliance and security goals. By following the guidance provided in Secure Score, organizations strengthen their overall defense posture, reduce the risk of breaches, and maintain visibility into security effectiveness across Microsoft 365.
Administrators can also export reports for management review, regulatory compliance, or audit purposes. These reports show achieved scores, potential improvements, and actions implemented, providing transparency and accountability. Secure Score complements other Microsoft security solutions, creating a framework for continuous improvement that aligns with SC-900 principles of risk-based, identity-driven, and data-centric security practices.
Question 150
A company wants to prevent users from sharing sensitive information outside the organization. Which SC-900 service should they implement?
A) Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention
B) Microsoft Sentinel
C) Microsoft Secure Score
D) Microsoft Entra Conditional Access
Correct Answer: A)
Explanation
Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is designed to prevent sensitive information from leaving the organization, whether through email, documents, or collaboration platforms. In SC-900, DLP illustrates the importance of protecting data in motion and at rest, ensuring that policies enforce compliance and prevent accidental or malicious data leaks.
DLP policies can detect sensitive information based on content analysis, including predefined sensitive information types such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, or custom data patterns specific to the organization. Policies can be applied to emails in Exchange, documents in SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams messages, automatically enforcing actions like blocking, notifying, or encrypting content to prevent unauthorized sharing.
Option B, Microsoft Sentinel, monitors and responds to threats but does not prevent data sharing. Option C, Microsoft Secure Score, evaluates posture but does not enforce data protection policies. Option D, Microsoft Entra Conditional Access, controls access but does not analyze or prevent data leakage.
DLP integrates with Microsoft Purview Information Protection, allowing labels to classify content and trigger DLP actions. For example, a file labeled “Confidential” can trigger policies that prevent external sharing or automatically encrypt the file. Administrators can define granular rules based on user groups, sensitivity levels, or types of data, ensuring that protection aligns with organizational requirements.
Alerts and reporting in DLP provide visibility into attempted policy violations, enabling administrators to investigate incidents and educate users on proper data handling practices. This supports compliance with regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, or internal data governance policies.
In SC-900, DLP emphasizes the principle of protecting organizational data proactively by monitoring, detecting, and enforcing policies to prevent leaks. It demonstrates how automated controls combined with user education and visibility can mitigate risks associated with sensitive information, reduce regulatory exposure, and maintain organizational trust.
By combining content analysis, policy enforcement, and reporting, Purview DLP ensures consistent protection of sensitive information across Microsoft 365 services. It aligns with zero-trust security by treating data as a critical asset, applying protection irrespective of device, user, or network location, and ensuring that organizational information remains secure under all circumstances.