The SC-200 certification is designed to validate your skills in securing and protecting an organization’s assets using Microsoft security technologies. As the need for cybersecurity professionals continues to grow, the SC-200 certification has become a sought-after credential in the industry. However, passing this exam can be a challenging task, as it requires a thorough understanding of security operations, threat management, and incident response.
In this blog post, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to prepare for and pass the Microsoft Security Operations Analyst SC-200 exam, including tips, resources, and study strategies. Whether you are a seasoned security professional or just starting your career, this guide will help you achieve success in your certification journey.
Microsoft Exam SC-200 Glossary
Here is a glossary of terms related to Microsoft Exam SC-200:
- Azure Security Center: A unified security management system for Azure services, providing advanced threat protection across hybrid cloud workloads and enabling compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Azure Sentinel: A cloud-native security information and event management (SIEM) service that provides intelligent security analytics and threat intelligence across the enterprise.
- Cloud App Security: A cloud-based service that provides visibility into cloud application usage, detects and responds to cloud-based threats, and enforces policies across cloud applications.
- Compliance: The process of adhering to regulatory and industry standards, guidelines, and best practices for data protection and security.
- Cybersecurity: The practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and data from digital attacks, theft, and damage.
- Data classification: The process of categorizing data based on its sensitivity and value to the organization, and applying appropriate security controls and protection measures.
- Data Loss Prevention (DLP): The process of identifying, classifying, and protecting sensitive data to prevent unauthorized access or data leakage.
- Encryption: The process of converting data into a code or cipher to prevent unauthorized access, theft, or interception.
- Identity and Access Management (IAM): The process of managing and controlling user access to resources and services, including authentication, authorization, and identity management.
- Incident response: The process of detecting, investigating, and responding to security incidents or breaches in a timely and effective manner.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): A security mechanism that requires users to provide multiple forms of authentication to access a system or service, typically a combination of something they know (such as a password) and something they have (such as a security token).
- Network security: The practice of securing computer networks and data from unauthorized access, theft, or damage.
- Risk management: The process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential risks to the organization, including cyber threats, compliance violations, and operational risks.
- Security assessment: The process of evaluating and testing the effectiveness of security controls and measures to identify vulnerabilities and risks.
- Security policy: A set of guidelines and rules that define the organization’s security requirements, objectives, and practices.
- Threat detection: The process of identifying and alerting on potential security threats or attacks using automated tools and techniques.
- Vulnerability management: The process of identifying and prioritizing security vulnerabilities and applying appropriate remediation or mitigation measures to reduce risk.
Expert tips to prepare for Microsoft Exam SC-200
Microsoft Exam SC-200 is the Microsoft Security Operations Analyst certification exam. Here are some expert tips to help you prepare for the exam:
- Review the exam objectives: Start by reviewing the exam objectives provided by Microsoft. This will help you to understand what topics are covered on the exam and what you need to focus on.
- Get hands-on experience: Hands-on experience is essential for passing the SC-200 exam. Set up a lab environment and practice different scenarios to understand how to implement security solutions in a real-world setting.
- Use Microsoft official resources: Microsoft offers various official resources for preparing for the SC-200 exam, such as training courses, study guides, and practice exams. Use these resources to supplement your learning and practice.
- Read the Microsoft documentation: Read the Microsoft documentation related to security operations in Microsoft 365 and Azure. This will give you a better understanding of how to configure and manage security solutions in these environments.
- Join study groups: Join study groups or forums where you can discuss the exam with other candidates. You can learn from their experiences and get answers to any questions you may have.
- Take practice exams: Take practice exams to get a feel for the types of questions that may appear on the real exam. This will also help you to identify any knowledge gaps you may have and focus your studying accordingly.
- Manage your time: Time management is crucial for passing the SC-200 exam. Make a study schedule and stick to it, ensuring you give yourself enough time to cover all the topics and practice what you’ve learned.
Remember that passing the SC-200 exam requires dedication and hard work. With these expert tips, you can prepare effectively and increase your chances of success.
Exam preparation resources for Microsoft Exam SC-200
Microsoft Exam SC-200 is the Microsoft Security Operations Analyst certification exam. This exam is designed to test a candidate’s knowledge and skills in identifying and mitigating security threats using Microsoft security solutions. Here are some official resources to help you prepare for the SC-200 exam:
- Exam details and registration:
- Exam skills outline and learning paths:
- Exam skills outline: https://query.prod.cms.rt.microsoft.com/cms/api/am/binary/RE4YGBg
- Microsoft Learn SC-200 learning path: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/azure-security-operations-analyst/
- Study materials:
- Microsoft Docs Security Center documentation: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/security-center/
- Microsoft Docs Azure Sentinel documentation: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/sentinel/
- Microsoft Cloud Workshop: Security Operations: https://microsoftcloudworkshop.com/Security-Operations/
- Microsoft Security Community: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/security-compliance-identity/bd-p/Security_Compliance_and_Identity
- Practice tests and labs:
- Microsoft official practice exam: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/certification-exam-practice.aspx
- Azure Security Center hands-on lab: https://www.microsoft.com/handsonlabs/SelfPacedLabs/?storyId=story://bf35a1b1-7e41-49b8-9d18-905fdd0737da&wt.mc_id=modinfra-5963-dmitryso
- Azure Sentinel hands-on lab: https://www.microsoft.com/handsonlabs/SelfPacedLabs/?storyId=story://11821f6d-bfe6-4f2c-baed-59f7a8ce54cc&wt.mc_id=modinfra-5963-dmitryso
Remember that these resources are only a starting point for your preparation. It is recommended that you supplement your learning with additional resources and practical experience in the field.
Role of a Microsoft Security Operations Analyst:
Microsoft Security Operations Analyst works with organizational stakeholders to secure the organization’s information technology systems. Their mission is to reduce corporate risk by quickly resolving active attacks in the environment, advising on threat protection practices, and reporting policy violations to appropriate stakeholders.
Threat management, monitoring, and response using a variety of security technologies across their environment are among their responsibilities. Using Microsoft Azure Sentinel, Azure Defender, Microsoft 365 Defender, and third-party security tools, the position primarily investigates, responds to, and hunts for threats. The Security Operations Analyst is a key stakeholder in the configuration and implementation of these technologies since they consume the operational output of these solutions.
Although Microsoft certification validates your ability to achieve, it is still a difficult task. If you want to be successful at work, you must study, earn your credentials, and actually develop the skills required for success. So, let’s begin!
Skills Acquired in the exam:
The following is a list of the skills and knowledge you will acquire:
- To begin, as a Microsoft Security Operations Analyst, you will be responsible for threat management, monitoring, and response throughout their environment utilising a number of security tools.
- Using Microsoft Azure Sentinel, Azure Defender, Microsoft 365 Defender, and third-party security tools, the position primarily investigates, responds to, and hunts for threats.
Exam Format
The Microsoft Security Operations Analyst SC-200 test consists of 40-60 multiple-choice questions that must be answered in 150 minutes. You must carefully plan your time. Furthermore, given there are 40-60 questions in total, you should spend no more than 1.5 minutes on each one. If you complete the exam in 90 minutes, you will have an average of 30 minutes to revise and recheck your answers. It’s available in English language only, with students needing a 70% score to earn certification.
In addition, the test includes case studies, short answers, multiple-choice questions, and mark reviews, among other question types. You might begin with the case study questions because there are different types of questions. As a result, they take the longest to complete. Following that are short responses and multiple-choice questions. Keep in mind that passing the exam necessitates a score of 700 or better (on a scale of 1-1000). Furthermore, the exam will cost you $165 USD.
How to pass the Microsoft Security Operations Analyst SC-200 Exam?
The Microsoft Security Operations Analyst SC-200 certification from Microsoft indicates that you can succeed, but it’s still not a simple task. If you want to be successful at work, you must study, earn your credentials, and actually develop the skills required for success.
If you are only half-hearted in your preparation, passing the SC-200 certification exam can be difficult. The first and most important step in preparing for the SC-200 is to make a commitment to studying. This difficult exam, like all others, needs undivided focus and extensive study. You will need to study and take practise examinations to obtain a complete understanding of the principles and subjects covered in this exam.
1. Review the Basic Principles
It is critical to have a solid foundation when studying for any exam. The principles of significant subjects must be learned. On the official Microsoft website, you’ll discover all of the information you need, as well as a list of topics to study. The official Microsoft Security Operations Analyst SC-200 test guide is also available.
Mitigate threats by using Microsoft 365 Defender (25-30%)
Mitigate threats to the Microsoft 365 environment by using Microsoft 365 Defender
- Investigate, respond, and remediate threats to Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive (Microsoft Documentation: Threat investigation and response)
- Investigate, respond, and remediate threats to email by using Microsoft Defender for Office 365 (Microsoft Documentation: Automated investigation and response (AIR) in Microsoft Defender for Office 365)
- Investigate and respond to alerts generated from Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies (Microsoft Documentation: Configure and view alerts for data loss prevention polices)
- Investigate and respond to alerts generated from insider risk policies (Microsoft Documentation: Get started with insider risk management)
- Discover and manage apps by using Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps
- Identify, investigate, and remediate security risks by using Defender for Cloud Apps (Microsoft Documentation: Investigate)
Mitigate endpoint threats by using Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Manage data retention, alert notification, and advanced features (Microsoft Documentation: Understanding what is Microsoft’s data retention policy?, Understanding Update data retention settings for Endpoint, Understanding Configure alert notifications, Understanding Manage Microsoft Defender for Endpoint alerts, Understanding Configure advanced features in Defender for Endpoint)
- Recommend attack surface reduction (ASR) for devices
- Respond to incidents and alerts (Microsoft Documentation: Incident response with Microsoft 365 Defender)
- Configure and manage device groups
- Identify devices at risk by using the Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management
- Manage endpoint threat indicators (Microsoft Documentation: Create indicators, Manage indicators)
- Identify unmanaged devices by using device discovery
Manage identity threats
- Mitigate security risks related to events for Microsoft Entra ID
- Mitigate security risks related to Microsoft Entra Identity Protection events
- Mitigate security risks related to Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) by using Microsoft Defender for Identity
Manage extended detection and response (XDR) in Microsoft 365 Defender
- Manage incidents and automated investigations in the Microsoft 365 Defender portal
- Manage actions and submissions in the Microsoft 365 Defender portal
- Identify threats by using Kusto Query Language (KQL)
- Identify and remediate security risks using Microsoft Secure Score (Microsoft Documentation: Security posture for Microsoft Defender for Cloud, Microsoft Secure Score)
- Analyze threat analytics in the Microsoft 365 Defender portal (Microsoft Documentation: Threat analytics in Microsoft 365 Defender)
- Configure and manage custom detections and alerts (Microsoft Documentation: Create and manage custom detections rules)
Investigate threats by using audit features in Microsoft 365 Defender and Microsoft Purview
- Perform threat hunting by using UnifiedAuditLog
- Perform threat hunting by using Content Search
Mitigate threats by using Microsoft Defender for Cloud (15-20%)
Implement and maintain cloud security posture management
- Assign and manage regulatory compliance policies, including Microsoft cloud security benchmark (MCSB)
- Improve the Microsoft Defender for Cloud secure score by applying recommended remediations
- Configure and manage Microsoft Defender for DevOps
- Configure and manage Microsoft Defender External Attack Surface Management (EASM)
Configure environment settings in Defender for Cloud
- Plan and configure Defender for Cloud settings, including selecting target subscriptions and workspaces (Microsoft Documentation: Enable enhanced security features)
- Configure Microsoft Defender for Cloud roles (Microsoft Documentation: Permissions in Microsoft Defender for Cloud, Enable enhanced security features)
- Assess and recommend cloud workload protection (Microsoft Documentation: Microsoft Defender for Cloud)
- Enable Microsoft Defender plans for Defender for Cloud
- Configure automated onboarding for Azure resources
- Connect compute resources by using Azure Arc
- Connect multicloud resources by using Environment settings
Respond to alerts and incidents in Defender for Cloud
- Setup email notifications (Microsoft Documentation: Understanding Configure email notifications for security alerts)
- Create and manage alert suppression rules (Microsoft Documentation: Understanding Suppress alerts from Azure Defender, Understanding Manage suppression rules)
- Design and configure workflow automation in Defender for Cloud (Microsoft Documentation: Automate responses to Microsoft Defender for Cloud triggers)
- Remediate alerts and incidents by using Defender for Cloud recommendations (Microsoft Documentation: Security alerts and incidents)
- Manage security alerts and incidents (Microsoft Documentation: Manage and respond to security alerts in Microsoft Defender for Cloud)
- Analyze Defender for Cloud threat intelligence reports (Microsoft Documentation: Microsoft Defender for Cloud threat intelligence report)
Mitigate threats by using Microsoft Sentinel (50-55%)
Design and configure a Microsoft Sentinel workspace
- Firstly, plan a Microsoft Sentinel workspace (Microsoft Documentation: Create and manage Microsoft Sentinel workspaces)
- Secondly, configure Microsoft Sentinel roles (Microsoft Documentation: Roles and permissions in Microsoft Sentinel)
- Design and configure Azure Sentinel data storage, including log types and log retention
Plan and Implement the use of Data Connectors for Ingestion of Data Sources in Microsoft Sentinel
- identify data sources to be ingested for Microsoft Sentinel (Microsoft Documentation: Understanding Connect data sources)
- configure and use Microsoft Sentinel data connectors for Azure resources, including Azure Policy and diagnostic settings
- Configure Microsoft Sentinel connectors for Microsoft 365 Defender and Defender for Cloud (Microsoft Documentation: Connect data from Microsoft 365 Defender to Microsoft Sentinel)
- Design and configure Syslog and Common Event Format (CEF) event collections (Microsoft Documentation: Understanding Collect data from Linux-based sources using Syslog, Understanding Connect your external solution using Common Event Format, Understanding Best Practices for CEF collection in Azure Sentinel)
- Design and Configure Windows Events collections (Microsoft Documentation: Understanding Connect Windows security events)
- Configure threat intelligence connectors
- Create custom log tables in the workspace to store ingested data
Manage Microsoft Sentinel analytics rules
- Configure the Fusion rule
- Configure Microsoft security analytics rules
- Configure built-in scheduled queries rules
- Configure custom scheduled queries rules (Microsoft Documentation: Understanding Create a custom analytics rule with a scheduled query)
- Configure near-real-time (NRT) query rules
- Manage analytics rules from Content hub
- Manage and use watchlists (Microsoft Documentation: Use watchlists in Microsoft Sentinel)
- Manage and use threat indicators (Microsoft Documentation: Create indicators, Manage indicators)
Perform data classification and normalization
- Classify and analyze data by using entities (Microsoft Documentation: Classify and analyze data using entities in Microsoft Sentinel)
- Query Microsoft Sentinel data by using Advanced Security Information Model (ASIM) parsers (Microsoft Documentation: Using the Advanced Security Information Model (ASIM) (Public preview))
- Develop and manage ASIM parsers (Microsoft Documentation: Using the Advanced Security Information Model (ASIM))
Configure Security Orchestration Automated Response (SOAR) in Microsoft Sentinel
- Create and configure automation rules (Microsoft Documentation: Create and use Microsoft Sentinel automation rules to manage response)
- Create and configure Microsoft Sentinel playbooks (Microsoft Documentation: Automate threat response with playbooks in Microsoft Sentinel, Create and use Microsoft Sentinel automation rules to manage response)
- Configure analytic rules to trigger automation rules
- Trigger playbooks manually from alerts and incidents
Manage Microsoft Sentinel Incidents
- Create an incident
- Triage incidents in Microsoft Sentinel (Microsoft Documentation: Understanding Triage security alerts)
- Investigate incidents in Microsoft Sentinel (Microsoft Documentation: Investigate incidents with Microsoft Sentinel)
- respond to incidents in Microsoft Sentinel (Microsoft Documentation: Investigate incidents with Microsoft Sentinel)
- investigate multi-workspace incidents (Microsoft Documentation: Understanding Work with incidents in many workspaces at once)
Use Microsoft Sentinel workbooks to analyze and interpret data
- Firstly, activate and customize Microsoft Sentinel workbook templates (Microsoft Documentation: Use Azure Monitor workbooks to visualize and monitor your data)
- Secondly, create custom workbooks (Microsoft Documentation: Understanding Create new workbooks)
- Next, configure advanced visualizations (Microsoft Documentation: Understanding Query and visualize data with Azure Sentinel Workbooks)
Hunt for threats using the Microsoft Sentinel
- Analyze attack vector coverage by using MITRE ATT&CK in Microsoft Sentinel
- Customize content gallery hunting queries
- Create custom hunting queries (Microsoft Documentation: Understanding Create custom queries to refine threat hunting)
- use hunting bookmarks for data investigations (Microsoft Documentation: Understanding Explore bookmarks in the investigation graph)
- Monitor hunting queries by using Livestream (Microsoft Documentation: Understanding Manage hunting and Livestream queries in Azure Sentinel)
- Retrieve and manage archived log data
- Create and manage search jobs
Manage threats by using entity behavior analytics
- Configure entity behavior settings
- Investigate threats by using entity pages
- Configure anomaly detection analytics rules
2. Make a schedule for studying
Set some boundaries for yourself and focus your time when studying for the SC-200 exam. If you don’t, it’ll be all too easy to put off or ignore your obligations.
3. Study Resources
Collect as many study materials as you can. There are numerous resources available online, including books, video lectures, and more, to assist you in preparing and selecting the best option for you. Exam study resources are now available from Microsoft to assist you prepare for the SC-200 exam. These books are jam-packed with useful knowledge that may be applied in the classroom. To locate publications that can help you understand the exam objectives and, as a result, pass the exam and obtain your SC-200 certification, go to Microsoft’s official website.
4. Instructor-led Training
One of the most effective methods of preparing is instructor-led instruction. To deepen your knowledge of the subject, you can enrol in instructor-led training programmes. To aid in your preparation, these courses provide resources such as certificate guides, supplemental study materials, video training courses by trained professionals, study groups, live test simulations, and much more.
Further, for the SC-200 exam, Microsoft offers instructor-led training. It is a four-day course. Instructor-led training is a valuable resource for gaining a better and more in-depth grasp of the examination. Following completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Describe how Microsoft Defender for Endpoint can help you mitigate dangers in your network.
- Create a Microsoft Defender endpoint security solution.
- On Windows 10 devices, set up Attack Surface Reduction rules.
5. Experiential Learning
Hands-on experience with the Microsoft SC-200 exam, or any other technology, is the most effective way to learn and pass it. You can get free hands-on learning modules from Microsoft. Make sure you know how to do all of the skills tested on the SC-200 exam.
6. Microsoft Books
Microsoft provides reference materials that can be helpful when studying for the exam. These books contain a wealth of useful information that can be used in the classroom. Visit Microsoft Press Books to find relevant books that will aid in your comprehension of the exam objectives and, as a result, help you pass the exam and earn your certification.
7. Join Microsoft Community
A lively debate is always beneficial, no matter where it takes place. The chances of finding a solution increase considerably when a big number of people become involved in a problem. As a result of these discussions, the research becomes more comprehensive. However, forums are fantastic for building the kind of community that is required to comprehend others. Interacting with others who share your goals will help you get closer to achieving them. Consider becoming a member of the Microsoft Community.
8. Practice Test Papers
Putting what you’ve learned into practice is the final step toward success. Using a Microsoft SC-200 practise exam to diversify your study strategy and acquire the best potential results on the real thing is a fantastic way to get the best results. Furthermore, it is necessary to analyse the practise test in order to ensure thorough preparation. To help you pass the exam, we provide free Microsoft SC-200 practise exams.
