A scan of Windows servers reports few findings, but the scanner used no credentials. The security manager suspects missing patch data. What should be changed? For control selection, Which control best addresses the stated weakness without hiding risk?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
Best answer
Run authenticated scans using least-privilege scanner credentials
Authenticated scanning gives the scanner access to installed software and patch state, improving accuracy.
Distractor review
Increase only the port range
More ports will not reveal installed patch levels reliably.
Distractor review
Disable host firewalls permanently
This is unnecessary and creates risk.
Distractor review
Trust the unauthenticated result as complete
Unauthenticated scans commonly miss local configuration and patch data.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
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More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
Question 1
A responder is acquiring evidence from a potentially compromised server. Which actions support forensic integrity? (Choose two.)
Question 2
A SOC wants to reduce alert fatigue without missing confirmed malicious activity. Which actions are appropriate? (Choose two.)
Question 3
A user reports approving an unexpected OAuth consent prompt for an app named 'Invoice Reader'. The app now has mailbox read permissions. What should the incident responder do first? During detection and analysis, which decision is most defensible?
Question 4
A business owner accepts delayed remediation for a production system. What must the report include? If the primary audience is business service owner, which content choice is most appropriate?
Question 5
A business owner accepts delayed remediation for a production system. What must the report include? If the primary audience is legal/privacy stakeholder, which content choice is most appropriate?
Question 6
A host alert shows certutil.exe downloading a file from an external URL, followed by execution from a user-writable directory. What should the analyst focus on? In the containment trade-off phase, Which response balances containment with evidence preservation?
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CS0-003 question test?
Authentication checks who the user is.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Run authenticated scans using least-privilege scanner credentials — Authenticated scanning gives the scanner access to installed software and patch state, improving accuracy. This ties the finding to control selection instead of treating scanner output as a simple checklist.
What should I do if I get this CS0-003 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
Discussion
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