easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
CAS-004 Practice Question: A security analyst observes anomalous outbound…
A security analyst observes anomalous outbound network traffic from a server that normally only performs internal functions. According to the incident response plan, what should the analyst do first?
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
✓
Follow the incident response plan
The first step in incident response is to follow the established plan to ensure proper handling and minimize damage. Option B is wrong because containment should follow identification and reporting. Option C is wrong because shutting down may destroy evidence. Option D is wrong because ignoring is risky.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Follow the incident response plan
Why this is correct
The incident response plan provides procedures for initial actions, including identification and reporting.
- ✗
Contain the server by disconnecting it from the network
Why it's wrong here
Containment occurs after the incident has been declared and plan followed.
- ✗
Immediately shut down the server
Why it's wrong here
Shutting down may lose volatile data and is not first step.
- ✗
Ignore the traffic as it might be a false positive
Why it's wrong here
Ignoring could lead to undetected breach.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CAS-005 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA 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 CAS-005 exam.