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200-201 Practice Question: An analyst is handling a data breach involving…
An analyst is handling a data breach involving sensitive customer information (PII) stored in a database. According to data classification policy, what is the most critical step to take first?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the candidate's understanding of the incident response lifecycle order, specifically that containment and evidence preservation must precede notification or policy review, even though notification seems like the most urgent ethical step.
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
✓
Contain the breach and preserve evidence
The immediate priority in any data breach incident is to contain the breach to prevent further data loss and to preserve forensic evidence for investigation and potential legal action. According to NIST SP 800-61 and common incident response frameworks, containment and evidence preservation must occur before notification or classification changes to ensure the integrity of the investigation and to limit damage.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Classify the data as high impact
Why it's wrong here
Data is already sensitive; classification is not an immediate step.
- ✗
Review the data classification policy
Why it's wrong here
The policy exists; the breach must be contained first.
- ✗
Notify affected customers immediately
Why it's wrong here
Notification should occur after confirming the extent of the breach.
- ✓
Contain the breach and preserve evidence
Why this is correct
Containment and evidence preservation are the first actions in incident response.
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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.