Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A file server is actively renaming documents and generating ransom notes. The server hosts a shared drive used by finance, and users are still online. What is the best immediate action?
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
Shut the server down immediately to stop all activity as fast as possible.
Powering off can stop encryption, but it may also destroy volatile evidence needed for investigation.
B
Best answer
Isolate the server from the network to contain the spread while preserving evidence.
Network isolation is the best immediate containment step because it limits lateral movement and reduces the chance that ransomware spreads to other systems or continues encrypting shared data. It is also less destructive than a hard shutdown, which can interfere with evidence collection. In incident response, containment should stop the impact while preserving the ability to investigate what happened.
C
Distractor review
Restore the file server from backup before checking whether the infection is still active.
Restoring too early can overwrite evidence and may reintroduce compromised data if the threat is not eradicated first.
D
Distractor review
Run a full antivirus scan and wait for the results before taking any other action.
A scan alone is too slow for active encryption and does not prevent further spread during the response window.
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: Isolate the server from the network to contain the spread while preserving evidence. — The best immediate response is to isolate the infected file server from the network. That contains the incident by preventing further encryption, stopping possible communication with other compromised hosts, and reducing lateral spread. Isolation is preferred over powering down because it is less disruptive to evidence preservation. After containment, the team can collect logs, determine the entry point, and plan eradication and recovery steps safely. Why others are wrong: A may stop the attack but sacrifices volatile evidence and should not be the default first action. C is premature because recovery should follow containment and eradication, not replace them. D is too slow and does not prevent ongoing damage. In active ransomware cases, stopping spread takes priority over lengthy inspection.
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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