The answer is disconnecting infected systems from the network and quarantining malware. These two actions are correct because the containment phase of incident response focuses on stopping the spread of damage while preserving system state for later analysis; disconnecting an infected host from the network immediately cuts off lateral movement and command-and-control channels, while quarantining isolates the malicious files so they cannot execute further. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish containment from recovery, analysis, or post-incident steps—a common trap is confusing containment with eradication or recovery actions like restoring from backup. Remember the containment mantra: isolate first, analyze later. A useful memory tip is to think of the word "STOP" — Systems, Traffic, Outbreak, Prevent — all of which happen during containment, not after.
200-201 Security Policies and Procedures Practice Question
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of security policies and procedures. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
An incident response plan includes steps to contain a ransomware outbreak. Which TWO actions are typically performed during the containment phase? (Select two.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Disconnect infected systems from the network
Options A and D are correct containment actions: disconnecting infected systems and quarantining malware. Option B is recovery, not containment. Option C is analysis. Option E is a post-incident action.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Notify law enforcement
Why it's wrong here
Notification typically occurs after containment or during post-incident.
✗
Identify the initial infection vector
Why it's wrong here
Identifying the vector is part of analysis, not containment.
✗
Restore data from backups
Why it's wrong here
Restoration is part of recovery, not containment.
✓
Disconnect infected systems from the network
Why this is correct
Isolation prevents further spread of ransomware.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Quarantine the malware samples
Why this is correct
Quarantining preserves evidence and prevents accidental execution.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 200-201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which 200-201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Security Policies and Procedures — This question tests Security Policies and Procedures — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Disconnect infected systems from the network — Options A and D are correct containment actions: disconnecting infected systems and quarantining malware. Option B is recovery, not containment. Option C is analysis. Option E is a post-incident action.
What should I do if I get this 200-201 question wrong?
Identify which 200-201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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