Microsoft Security Operations Analyst Exam Ref SC-200 Guide

Learn to manage security incidents, hunt advanced threats, and defend IT systems using Microsoft security tools, gaining hands-on expertise to ace the SC-200 exam and become a certified Microsoft Security Operations Analyst

Key Features

• Get expert guidance on detecting, investigating, and responding to cyber threats
• Develop practical skills through real-world scenarios and step-by-step security implementations
• Enhance your SOC expertise with automation and advanced incident response techniques
• Purchase of this book unlocks access to web-based exam prep resources including mock exams, flashcards, exam tips

Book Description

As cyber threats continue to evolve, the demand for security analysts who can effectively detect, investigate, and respond effectively is higher than ever. Earning the SC-200 certification validates these in-demand skills—but preparing for the exam can be overwhelming without structured guidance. This exam guide simplifies complex security concepts to help you master Microsoft security technologies and take the SC-200 exam with confidence.

Through real-world scenarios, hands-on labs, and expert insights, this book provides a practical, exam-focused approach to learning. You’ll explore threat detection, incident response, and proactive threat hunting while gaining in-depth knowledge of Microsoft Defender XDR’s integrated security capabilities, Sentinel’s SIEM and SOAR functionalities, and Defender for Cloud’s proactive protection measures. What’s more, it includes mock exams, practice questions, and exam tips to reinforce learning and enhance your exam readiness.

By the end of this book, you’ll be able to apply Microsoft security best practices in real-world environments, analyze security incidents, implement detection strategies, and enhance security operations using Microsoft’s cutting-edge security tools—everything you need to become a certified Microsoft Security Operations Analyst.

What you will learn

• Understand Microsoft security operations and threat protection in detail
• Configure and manage Microsoft Defender XDR for endpoint security
• Deploy Microsoft Sentinel and integrate various data connectors
• Investigate security incidents using Microsoft Defender tools
• Analyze alerts, incidents, and evidence in Microsoft security portals
• Implement Microsoft Defender for Cloud to secure cloud environments

Who this book is for

This book is for security analysts, SOC professionals, and cloud security engineers who want to master Microsoft security tools, investigate threats, and pass the SC-200 exam. A basic understanding of Microsoft technologies and security concepts is recommended.

Table of Contents

1. Preparing for Your Microsoft Exam and SC-200 Objectives
2. The Evolution of Security and Security Operations
3. Configure the Microsoft Sentinel SIEM and Platform
4. Ingest Data into Microsoft Sentinel
5. Configure Detections
6. Detect Threats by Using Microsoft Defender XDR
7. Detect Threats by Using the Microsoft Sentinel Platform
8. Investigate Microsoft 365 Activities to Identify Threats
9. Respond to Alerts and Incidents in Microsoft Defender XDR
10. Respond to Alerts and Incidents in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
11. Configure Automation for Microsoft Defender XDR and Microsoft Sentinel

Steve Miles works in a senior partner technology enablement role within the cloud practice of a multi-billion-euro European IT distributor. He is a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP), Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), and an Alibaba Cloud MVP. He has more than 25 years of technology experience spanning hosted datacenter services, hybrid and multi-cloud platforms, as well as a previous military career in engineering, signals, and communications. Steve is the author and technical reviewer of numerous books on Microsoft technologies, with a particular focus on security, Azure, AI, and data.

Junaid Mumtaz is an experienced Cloud Security Consultant with over 06 years of expertise in cybersecurity and cloud-native defense. He began his career as a Cybersecurity Analyst, where he focused on protecting enterprise infrastructure and developing proactive detection strategies to address evolving threats. As he transitioned into cloud technologies, Junaid specialized in Microsoft Defender XDR and Azure Sentinel, helping organizations modernize their security operations and adopt scalable, resilient solutions. His practical experience spans across complex environments, where he has led initiatives to strengthen detection capabilities and streamline incident response. Currently, Junaid is focused on DevSecOps, risk assessment, and advanced threat hunting. He is also actively exploring Microsoft's latest advancements, including Security Copilot, to drive intelligent automation and enhance security outcomes for modern enterprises.

Trevor Stuart has over 15 years of experience in IT. He started with SMS and Active Directory and maintained exposure in the field through various naming changes and technical additions. Trevor has a passion for IT but more so with Cybersecurity. Trevor swiftly moved into Cybersecurity and focused on securing privileged access, hardening operating systems, implementing tiering within AD, tying identities to modern authentication mechanisms, scaling out the identity to the hybrid world, application migration in secure manners in Azure, and leveraging built-in security controls in multiple clouds and platforms to secure workloads. Trevor is a technology enthusiast at heart and the world of Cybersecurity only lights the fire of passion inside of him.

Joe Anich has 15 years of experience in the IT industry ranging from endpoint management with a focus on SCCM and Intune to endpoint security and incident response. Currently working on Microsoft's Detection and Response Team (DART), he works closely with customers during critical moments. Working in incident response has given Joe insight into SOC operations and how to help teams around the world improve their security posture as a whole. Outside of work, Joe enjoys running around the house with his 2-year-old son playing “chase me.” Fun fact: During the late 90s, Joe could be found at the roller-skating rink most Friday nights, gliding around the rink with a super rope in hand, maybe in JNCOs or Lee Pipes, vibing to 90s hip hop.