SC-200: Microsoft Security Operations Analyst

The Microsoft SC-200: Microsoft Security Operations Analyst exam is one of the required exams for earning the Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate certification. The exam tests the candidate’s knowledge and skills in the following areas:

1. Threat management (30-35% of the exam): Understanding how to detect, investigate, and respond to security threats using Microsoft 365 Defender, Azure Defender, and Azure Sentinel.
2. Vulnerability management (15-20% of the exam): Understanding how to identify and remediate vulnerabilities in the IT environment using Microsoft 365 Defender and Azure Defender.
3. Identity and access management (15-20% of the exam): Understanding how to configure and manage identity and access using Azure AD and Azure AD Privileged Identity Management.
4. Platform protection (15-20% of the exam): Understanding how to secure and protect Azure resources and services using Azure Security Center, Azure Key Vault, and Azure Information Protection.
5. Data and application protection (15-20% of the exam): Understanding how to protect data and applications using Azure Information Protection, Microsoft Cloud App Security, and Azure Sentinel.

The SC-200 exam is intended for individuals who have experience working with Microsoft security solutions and want to validate their skills in security operations. The exam consists of around 40-60 multiple-choice questions and is timed at around 150 minutes. To pass the exam, candidates need to achieve a score of at least 700 out of 1000 points.

Prerequisites

While there are no formal prerequisites for the SC-200 exam, Microsoft recommends that candidates have a solid understanding of security concepts and hands-on experience working with Microsoft security solutions.

In addition, Microsoft recommends that candidates have a good understanding of the following technologies and concepts:

1. Azure Security Center and Azure Defender: Understanding of how to use these services to secure and protect Azure resources and services.
2. Azure Sentinel: Understanding of how to use this cloud-native security information and event management (SIEM) service to detect, investigate, and respond to security threats.
3. Microsoft 365 Defender: Understanding of how to use this suite of services to protect endpoints, email, and collaboration tools.
4. Azure Active Directory: Understanding of how to configure and manage identity and access using this cloud-based identity and access management service.
5. Networking and virtualization: Understanding of basic networking and virtualization concepts and how they apply to security.
6. Compliance and governance: Understanding of how to implement and manage compliance and governance policies using Microsoft security solutions.

Overall, candidates should have practical experience in security operations, including incident response, threat hunting, and vulnerability management. They should also have experience with security automation and scripting using PowerShell, Python, or other scripting languages.