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CAS-004 Practice Question: A systems administrator must automate the…
A systems administrator must automate the patching of 200 Windows servers. The environment has strict security requirements and change management. Which scripting approach best balances automation and control?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates choose a simpler scripting approach (like Python with WMI or scheduled tasks) because they focus on automation speed, overlooking the critical requirement for centralized control, auditability, and security that DSC with JEA uniquely provides.
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
✓
Use PowerShell DSC (Desired State Configuration) with a pull server and authorized users via JEA.
PowerShell DSC with a pull server enforces a desired configuration state across all servers, ensuring patches are applied consistently. Combining this with Just Enough Administration (JEA) restricts authorized users to only the necessary commands, providing granular control and auditability, which meets strict security and change management requirements.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Use PowerShell DSC (Desired State Configuration) with a pull server and authorized users via JEA.
Why this is correct
DSC ensures desired state, JEA provides least privilege, and pull server allows control and auditing.
- ✗
Write a Python script that uses WMI to apply patches and reboot servers.
Why it's wrong here
WMI can be blocked by firewalls and lacks the auditing capabilities of PowerShell.
- ✗
Create a scheduled task on each server that runs a script from a network share.
Why it's wrong here
Scheduled tasks lack central oversight and can be tampered with; network share may be unavailable.
- ✗
Use Group Policy to install updates during the next restart.
Why it's wrong here
Group Policy patching is not real-time and lacks granular control for immediate patching.
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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.