CAS-004 Security Operations Practice Question
During a security incident, the incident response team has identified the root cause and removed the threat from all affected systems. Which phase of the incident response lifecycle involves returning systems to normal operation and monitoring for any signs of recurrence?
⚠ Common exam trap
CAS-005 often tests the order and definitions of incident response phases, and candidates may confuse Recovery with Eradication or Containment, especially when the question mentions removing the threat.
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
✓
Recovery
The Recovery phase of the incident response lifecycle focuses on restoring systems to normal operation after the threat has been eradicated. It involves bringing systems back online, validating their integrity, and monitoring for any signs of recurrence. This phase ensures that the organization can resume business operations securely.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Eradication
Why it's wrong here
Eradication removes the threat's artefacts from affected systems; it precedes restoration and does not return systems to production or monitor for recurrence. It tempts because eradication is the phase immediately before recovery, and the stem already states the threat was removed.
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Containment
Why it's wrong here
Containment limits the incident's spread and damage while investigation continues; it occurs before eradication and recovery, not after. It tempts because containment and recovery both involve system state changes, but containment isolates rather than restores normal operation.
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Recovery
Why this is correct
Recovery restores systems to normal operation after eradication, then monitors for recurrence. The stem's constraint — root cause identified and threat removed — places the incident exactly at the transition from eradication into recovery, where validated restoration and post-restoration monitoring occur.
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Lessons Learned
Why it's wrong here
Lessons Learned reviews the incident afterwards to improve future response; it does not restore systems or monitor for recurrence. It tempts because it follows recovery chronologically, but the stem describes returning systems to normal operation, which is the recovery phase itself.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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