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200-201 Practice Question: A security analyst detects a host infected with…
A security analyst detects a host infected with ransomware on the corporate network. According to incident response procedures, what should be the first action?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that immediate eradication (reimaging) or notification is the priority, but the correct first step is always containment to stop the spread, as per the NIST and SANS incident response frameworks.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Isolate the host from the network
The first action when a host is infected with ransomware is to isolate it from the network to prevent lateral movement and further encryption of shared resources. Ransomware often uses SMB, RDP, or other network protocols to spread, so disconnecting the host (e.g., by disabling the switch port or unplugging the cable) stops the propagation immediately. This aligns with the NIST incident response framework's containment phase, which prioritizes stopping the attack before any remediation.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Reimage the host immediately
Why it's wrong here
Reimaging without isolation may not stop spread and destroys evidence.
- ✗
Update antivirus signatures
Why it's wrong here
Updating signatures is proactive but won't contain an active infection.
- ✗
Notify the IT management team
Why it's wrong here
Notification is part of communication but not the immediate technical response.
- ✓
Isolate the host from the network
Why this is correct
Isolation stops lateral movement and is the first containment step.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 200-201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 200-201 exam.