hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
Incident Response Containment: Isolate and Preserve Evidence
A SOC analyst is reviewing an alert about a suspicious process execution on a critical server. The alert shows that cmd.exe spawned from Microsoft Word. Which of the following is the BEST next step for the analyst?
Quick Answer
The correct next step is to isolate the host from the network and collect a memory dump. This is because the alert—cmd.exe spawned from Microsoft Word—is a classic indicator of a living-off-the-land (LotL) attack, where a malicious macro executes code directly in memory. Isolating the host immediately stops lateral movement and data exfiltration, while capturing a memory dump preserves volatile evidence like injected code, active network connections, and process artifacts that would be lost on reboot or shutdown. On the CompTIA SecurityX CAS-004 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of incident response containment and evidence preservation under pressure; a common trap is to terminate the process or reimage the system, which destroys the very evidence needed for forensic analysis. Remember the priority: containment first, then preservation of volatile data. A useful memory tip is “Isolate and Image”—stop the bleed, then capture the memory.
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often choose Option D (terminate the process) thinking it stops the attack, but fail to recognize that isolation and evidence preservation are higher priorities in incident response, as termination destroys volatile data and may not prevent reinfection.
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
✓
Isolate the host from the network and collect a memory dump.
The alert indicates a classic living-off-the-land (LotL) attack where Microsoft Word (likely via a malicious macro) spawns cmd.exe, suggesting code execution. Isolating the host prevents lateral movement and data exfiltration, while collecting a memory dump preserves volatile evidence (e.g., process memory, network connections, injected code) for forensic analysis. Immediate termination (Option D) or reimaging (Option B) would destroy critical evidence, and doing nothing (Option A) risks further compromise.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Collect a memory dump from the host without any immediate action.
Why it's wrong here
Collecting memory is important but should be done after isolation to preserve evidence.
- ✗
Reimage the server to ensure it is clean.
Why it's wrong here
Reimaging is premature without understanding the scope.
- ✓
Isolate the host from the network and collect a memory dump.
Why this is correct
Isolation prevents lateral movement; memory dump preserves evidence.
- ✗
Terminate the cmd.exe process immediately.
Why it's wrong here
Terminating may leave artifacts and does not prevent reinfection.
Go deeper
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on CAS-005
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A SOC analyst receives an alert indicating that a workstation has been making outbound connections to a known command-and-control (C2) IP address. The analyst initiates the incident response process. Which of the following should be the FIRST action taken?
easy- A.Run a full antivirus scan on the affected workstation.
- B.Notify the organization's management and legal team.
- C.Delete the suspicious files identified by the antivirus.
- ✓ D.Isolate the workstation from the network.
Why D: The first priority in incident response is to contain the threat to prevent further damage. Option D, isolating the workstation, stops the C2 communication and limits lateral movement. Option A (running a full antivirus scan) is reactive and may alert the attacker. Option B (notifying management and legal) is important but not first. Option C (deleting suspicious files) is premature without analysis.
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.