Question 1hardmulti select
Full question →hardmulti selectObjective-mapped
Exhibit
Workstation baseline: - Standard users are local admins - Executables and scripts run from user-writable paths - Unauthorized persistence reappears after reimaging - Developers need to install approved tools, but not arbitrary software
A baseline review found that standard developer accounts are local administrators, unsigned tools can run from user profile folders, and reimaged systems still end up with unauthorized persistence. Which two changes best improve hardening while preserving developer work? Select two.
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.
A
Best answer
Remove local administrator rights from standard user accounts.
Removing local admin rights blocks many common persistence and privilege escalation paths. It also reduces the damage a user mistake or malicious script can do on an otherwise managed workstation.
B
Best answer
Enforce application allowlisting for approved executables and scripts.
Application allowlisting prevents unauthorized binaries, scripts, and loaders from executing. That directly addresses the ability of unapproved tools to run from user-writable folders after reimaging or during normal use.
C
Distractor review
Turn off logging to preserve disk space.
Turning off logging would hide malicious activity and make investigation far harder. It may free space, but it directly weakens detection and response capabilities.
D
Distractor review
Allow unrestricted browser extension installs.
Unrestricted extensions widen the attack surface and create another path for malicious code. This makes the workstation less secure, not more hardened.
E
Distractor review
Merge all developer and production systems into one VLAN.
A flat network increases lateral movement opportunities and undermines containment. It is the opposite of a secure baseline and defense-in-depth design.
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 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?
Authentication checks who the user is.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Remove local administrator rights from standard user accounts. — The best hardening controls here are to remove local administrator rights and to enforce application allowlisting. Admin removal reduces what a user or script can do if compromised. Allowlisting ensures only approved software and scripts can run, which directly cuts off the persistent unauthorized tooling described in the scenario. Together, they provide practical baseline protection without preventing legitimate development work. Why others are wrong: Logging should not be disabled because it is essential for detection and investigations. Allowing arbitrary browser extensions and flattening the VLAN both expand attack paths. The question asks for controls that preserve development while reducing abuse, so the correct answers focus on least privilege and execution control.
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.
Discussion
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