The answer is to analyze the memory dump to identify indicators of compromise. After containment, such as isolating the affected host, the incident response process moves from data collection to analysis; a memory dump contains volatile evidence like running processes, network connections, and injected code, which must be examined to determine the scope and impact of the breach. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this tests your understanding of the NIST incident response lifecycle, specifically the sequence after containment and collection—analysis must precede eradication or recovery. A common trap is jumping to system restoration or notifying stakeholders before understanding the threat. Remember the mnemonic “ICARE”: Isolate, Collect, Analyze, Remediate, Eradicate—analysis always comes right after collection.
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.
During a security incident, a security analyst isolates an affected host and collects a memory dump. According to incident response procedures, what is the next step the analyst should take?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Analyze the memory dump to identify indicators of compromise
Option A is correct because after containment (isolation) and data collection (memory dump), the next step is analysis to understand the scope and impact. Option B is premature before analysis. Option C is not a standard incident response step. Option D happens after analysis and eradication.
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.
✗
Reboot the host to clear any malware from memory
Why it's wrong here
Rebooting can destroy evidence; isolation and analysis should come first.
✗
Notify the public relations team immediately
Why it's wrong here
Public notification should occur after confirmation and containment, not immediately.
✗
Restore the host from a known good backup
Why it's wrong here
Restoration is part of recovery, which occurs after analysis and eradication.
✓
Analyze the memory dump to identify indicators of compromise
Why this is correct
Analysis is the logical next step after data collection to determine the cause and extent.
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: Analyze the memory dump to identify indicators of compromise — Option A is correct because after containment (isolation) and data collection (memory dump), the next step is analysis to understand the scope and impact. Option B is premature before analysis. Option C is not a standard incident response step. Option D happens after analysis and eradication.
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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