Question 1easymultiple choice
Full question →easymultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A development team updates a third-party software library used by its web application. After the release, new deployments begin making unexpected outbound connections to an unfamiliar domain. What type of threat is most likely?
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
Dependency compromise
Dependency compromise happens when a trusted third-party library, package, or component is altered to include malicious behavior. The unusual outbound connections after an update are a strong sign that the dependency may have been tampered with.
B
Distractor review
Phishing
Phishing targets users with deceptive messages and links. The scenario describes malicious behavior inside a software dependency, not a user being tricked by email or text.
C
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Rootkit infection
A rootkit focuses on stealth and hiding malicious code on a host. The prompt is about a suspicious third-party library update, which points more directly to supply-chain risk.
D
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Password spraying
Password spraying is an authentication attack that tries a few common passwords across many accounts. It does not explain malicious code added through a library update.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
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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?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Dependency compromise — This is best described as dependency compromise, a supply-chain threat where a trusted third-party component is modified or replaced with malicious code. The key clues are the library update and the new unexpected network activity after deployment. On Security+, supply-chain and dependency issues are important because organizations often trust outside packages without inspecting every line of code. Why others are wrong: Phishing is user-targeted social engineering, not malicious code in a software package. A rootkit is malware that hides on a host, but the scenario specifically points to a third-party component update. Password spraying is an authentication attack and does not involve altered software dependencies or outbound connections from the application.
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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