How to prepare for Microsoft Exam SC-200?

Microsoft Exam SC-200, also known as the Microsoft Security Operations Analyst certification exam, is designed to validate a candidate’s skills in performing threat intelligence, analyzing and responding to security incidents, and implementing security solutions. As the demand for skilled security professionals continues to rise, passing the SC-200 exam can be a valuable asset to your career in cybersecurity.

However, preparing for any Microsoft certification exam can be a challenging task, requiring dedication, time, and effort. In this blog post, we will guide you through the essential steps you need to take to prepare for the Microsoft SC-200 exam successfully. We will cover the exam objectives, study materials, and practice resources that you should use to build your knowledge and skills in security operations analysis.

Whether you’re a security professional seeking to validate your expertise or a beginner looking to start your cybersecurity career, this blog post will provide you with the necessary tools to prepare for the Microsoft SC-200 exam with confidence. So, let’s dive in and explore the best practices to help you ace the Microsoft Security Operations Analyst certification exam.

Before moving ahead, let’s checkout some sample questions on SC-200 exam.

Scenario:

You are a security analyst for a company that uses Microsoft Azure as its primary cloud platform. You are responsible for monitoring the security of the company’s environment and ensuring compliance with industry regulations.

1. You need to configure a security solution that can automatically block access to malicious IP addresses. Which Azure service should you use?
A. Azure Security Center
B. Azure Advanced Threat Protection
C. Azure Information Protection
D. Azure Firewall

2. Your company needs to comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). Which Azure service can help you ensure compliance with this standard?
A. Azure Sentinel
B. Azure Security Center
C. Azure Advanced Threat Protection
D. Azure Key Vault

3. You need to identify potential vulnerabilities in your company’s web application. Which Azure service can help you accomplish this task?
A. Azure Sentinel
B. Azure Security Center
C. Azure Advanced Threat Protection
D. Azure Application Gateway

4. Your company needs to monitor the security of its Azure environment in real-time. Which Azure service can help you accomplish this task?
A. Azure Sentinel
B. Azure Security Center
C. Azure Advanced Threat Protection
D. Azure Monitor

Answers:

1. D. Azure Firewall can automatically block access to malicious IP addresses. It provides a network-level security solution that can inspect and filter traffic based on source and destination IP addresses, ports, and protocols.
2. B. Azure Security Center can help you ensure compliance with the PCI DSS standard. It provides a compliance dashboard that can help you assess your environment’s compliance status and offers recommendations for meeting the standard’s requirements.
3. B. Azure Security Center can help you identify potential vulnerabilities in your company’s web application. It provides a vulnerability assessment feature that can scan your application and generate a report that lists any vulnerabilities found.
4. A. Azure Sentinel can help you monitor the security of your company’s Azure environment in real-time. It uses machine learning algorithms and built-in threat intelligence to detect threats and generate alerts for your security team to investigate.

Responsibilities of a Security Operations Analyst:

The burdens of a Security Operations Analyst Associate include threat management, monitoring, and answering by practicing the kind of security solutions over their condition. Using Microsoft Azure Sentinel, Azure Defender, Microsoft 365 Defender, and third-party security results, the function examines, responds to, and reviews for intimidation. As the Security Operations Analyst Associate is in charge of the project’s operational generation, they are a key player in the development and implementation of the technologies.

Now, let us get to the details!

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.

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:

1. Exam details and registration:
   • Exam page: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/exams/sc-200
   • Exam registration: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/certification-exams/exam-sc-200.aspx
2. 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/
3. 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
4. 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. Good luck with your exam!

Expert tips to prepare for Microsoft Exam SC-200

Here are some expert tips:

• Understand the Exam Objectives: Review the official exam objectives provided by Microsoft to understand the topics and skills you need to master for the exam. This will help you focus your preparation efforts and identify any areas where you may need additional study.
• Study the Microsoft Documentation: Microsoft provides extensive documentation on their security technologies and services. Reviewing this documentation can help you gain a deeper understanding of the concepts covered on the exam.
• Get Hands-On Experience: Try out the various security tools and technologies in a lab environment to gain hands-on experience. This will help you better understand how they work and how to troubleshoot issues that may arise.
• Take Practice Exams: Taking practice exams can help you assess your knowledge and identify any gaps in your understanding. Microsoft provides official practice exams, and there are also many third-party resources available.
• Join a Study Group: Joining a study group can provide a supportive environment for learning and can help you stay motivated. You can find study groups online or through local technology groups.
• Attend Training Sessions: Consider attending a training course or workshop to deepen your knowledge of the exam topics. Microsoft offers official training courses, and there are also many third-party training providers.
• Stay Current: Keep up with the latest developments in Microsoft security technologies and services by reading industry blogs, attending conferences, and participating in online forums.

By following these tips and putting in the necessary time and effort, you can increase your chances of passing the Microsoft Exam SC-200 and earning your Microsoft Security Operations Analyst certification.

Exam Overview

• Firstly, the (SC-200) Security Operations Analyst examination exam fee is $165 USD.
• Secondly, discussing about the Microsoft Security Analyst exam questions, there will be 40-60 questions.
• Thirdly, it is accessible in the Japanese, Spanish, English, Korean, French, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), German, Russian, Portuguese (Brazil), Arabic (Saudi Arabia), Italian languages.
• Next, the required marks for passing the Security Operations Analyst is 700 on a range of 1-1000.
• Lastly, the SC-200 exam format is multiple choice and multiple response questions.

Concern Areas for Exam: SC-200

The SC-200 covers the following topics:

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

Preparatory Guide for Microsoft Exam: SC-200

It is time to acknowledge some amazing learning comfort for becoming the Security Operations Analyst Associate. Let us originate with the renewed SC-200 study guide that will support the candidate to improve their preparation respectively.

1. Microsoft Learning Platform 

Microsoft shares the SC-200 learning paths, the applicant should return the standard site of Microsoft. The candidate can take all potential knowledge on the standard site. The candidate will discover several Microsoft Security Operations Analyst learning pathways and documentation. Finding relevant content on the Microsoft site is quite a comfortable task. Also, one can obtain the guide for the Exam SC-200: Microsoft Security Operations Analyst on the official site of Microsoft. 

Refer to the following suggested learning paths-

SC-200 part 1: Mitigate threats using Microsoft Defender for Endpoint– Executing the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint program to identify, review, and react to seasoned threats. This learning path adjusts with the exam SC-200: Microsoft Security Operations Analyst.

SC-200 part 2: Mitigate threats using Microsoft 365 Defender– Analyzing threat data beyond domains and immediately remediate warnings with built-in orchestration and mechanization in Microsoft 365 Defender. This learning path follows with exam SC-200: Microsoft Security Operations Analyst.

2. Microsoft Documentation

Microsoft Documentation is crucial for passing the SC-200: Microsoft Security Operations Analyst exam. Each topic related to the important test will be documented for the applicants. This is a crucial step in becoming a Certified Security Operations Analyst.

• Defining rule query logic & configuring settings
• Planning for the Azure Sentinel
• Remediating risks in Azure AD
• Genearting a custom analytics rule with a query
• Gathering data from Linux-based resources using Syslog, etc

Refer to the above-mentioned course framework for all Microsoft Documentations!

3. Instructor-Led Training

The SC-200: Microsoft Security Operations Analyst training offerings that Microsoft presents itself are provided on their website. Instructor-led training is a must-have resource for preparing for a test like the SC-200. On the Microsoft website, the candidate can find the instructor-led training on the page of the demanding test. There are a lot of Microsoft SC-200 training courses available before the test. Microsoft’s suggested training regimen is as follows.

Course SC-200T00-A: Microsoft Security Operations Analyst

4. Books and Guides 

The subsequent step within the preparatory model should be books and guides. The applicant requires to urge those books that are supplemented with information. Candidates must study guides and books which can clearly help them to seek out the knowledge about the accepted exam.

• Exam Ref SC-200 Microsoft Security Operations Analyst by Yuri Diogenes, Jake Mowrer, et al

5. Join a Study Group 

The candidate must obtain and engage in knowledge in order to become a Certified Security Operations Analyst. As a result, we encourage that you join certain research groups where everyone may discuss their ideas with others who have the same purpose. This will have a direct impact on the applicant’s preparedness.

6. Evaluate yourself with Practice Test

Checking hands-on Practice exams is the most important step. Microsoft SC-200 Practice Tests are the ones that guarantee the claimant’s education. There are several practice exams available on the internet currently, and the applicant may select the one that best suits their needs. The practice exam will help you prepare for the Microsoft Security Operations Analyst Exam SC-200. So, get started right away!

To Conclude!

Microsoft constantly growing its learning pathways and arrangements to support the candidate and their obligation to keep in step with today’s troublesome and increasing IT environments. This most advanced upgraded certification will improve the candidate’s learning to keep speed with today’s professional commitments. So, start the preparation immediately with Testpreptraining!