Question 1easymultiple choice
Full question →easymultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A file server begins encrypting documents, and the SOC confirms the activity is malicious. Which incident response step should happen first to limit further damage?
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
Distractor review
Lessons learned
Lessons learned happens after the incident is handled and recovery is complete.
B
Best answer
Containment
Containment is the first response step that limits spread and stops the incident from getting worse.
C
Distractor review
Recovery
Recovery should begin after the threat is contained and eradicated enough to restore services safely.
D
Distractor review
Post-incident reporting
Reporting is important, but it does not stop the active attack or reduce immediate damage.
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: Containment — Containment is the first step to limit further damage once malicious activity is confirmed. In a ransomware-like event, the priority is to stop encryption from spreading to other systems, shares, or backups. That may involve disconnecting the server, disabling affected accounts, or segmenting network access. Recovery and lessons learned come later, after the incident is under control and evidence has been preserved. Why others are wrong: Lessons learned and post-incident reporting are important, but they come after the active threat is handled. Recovery is also too early because restoring systems before containment can reintroduce the attacker or overwrite evidence. In incident response, the immediate focus is to stop the bleeding first, then eradicate the threat and restore operations.
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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