A backup server encrypts large nightly database exports before sending them to an offsite storage system. The organization has already arranged a secure way to share the secret key between the systems, and performance is a concern because the files are very large. Which encryption approach is the best fit?
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.
Distractor review
Asymmetric encryption
Asymmetric encryption is useful for key exchange and identity-related tasks, but it is usually slower and less efficient for encrypting very large backups.
Best answer
Symmetric encryption
Symmetric encryption is the best fit for bulk data because it is fast and efficient. When both sides can securely share the same secret key, large backup files can be encrypted and decrypted with much less overhead than with public-key methods. That makes it the standard choice for protecting high-volume data at rest or in transit.
Distractor review
Hashing
Hashing is used to detect changes and confirm integrity, but it does not provide confidentiality for backup data.
Distractor review
Digital signatures
Digital signatures prove authenticity and integrity, but they do not encrypt large files for confidentiality.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
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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 laptop is suspected of being used in a malware incident. It is still powered on and connected to Wi-Fi. What should the responder do before shutting it down?
Question 2
An employee reports a ransomware note on a file server. The server is still powered on, shares are still being accessed, and management wants service restored as quickly as possible. What should the incident response team do first?
Question 3
An employee reports a ransomware note on a finance laptop. The laptop is still powered on, connected to Wi-Fi, and the user says they were just working in a spreadsheet. Management wants the fastest safe response that also preserves evidence. What should the responder do first?
Question 4
You are handed a company laptop suspected in an insider theft case. Legal says the evidence may be needed in court. Which action best preserves admissibility?
Question 5
A developer wants to reduce the risk of SQL injection in a new customer search form. Which two changes are the best mitigations? Select two.
Question 6
A branch office uses a flat LAN, and a compromise on one user workstation could spread quickly to finance systems. Management wants finance workstations isolated from general users, but finance staff still need access to a central finance application and network printer. What is the best design change?
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SY0-701 question test?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Symmetric encryption — Symmetric encryption is the best choice because the same shared key can encrypt and decrypt large data sets efficiently. Backup workflows often involve significant volume, so performance matters. Public-key methods are typically reserved for exchanging keys or verifying identity, while symmetric algorithms are preferred for the actual bulk encryption of data like databases and archives. Why others are wrong: Asymmetric encryption is generally too computationally expensive for encrypting large backups directly. Hashing only produces a digest and cannot keep the data confidential. Digital signatures provide integrity and authenticity, but they do not hide the contents of the backup file from unauthorized viewers.
What should I do if I get this SY0-701 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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