Question 1hardmulti select
Full question →hardmulti selectObjective-mapped
A finance workstation begins encrypting local files, and the EDR console shows the process is also enumerating SMB shares on adjacent hosts. The user reports no suspicious email and is still logged in. Management wants the fastest containment step that minimizes spread and the best follow-up action to preserve useful evidence. Which two actions should the SOC take first? 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
Isolate the affected endpoint from the network using EDR or NAC.
Removing the host from the network immediately limits lateral movement and command-and-control communication while preserving the running system for analysis.
B
Distractor review
Power the system off immediately to stop encryption and preserve nothing else.
Powering off can destroy volatile evidence and may not prevent damage already queued in memory or on disk.
C
Best answer
Capture volatile evidence such as memory, running processes, and active connections before wiping the host.
Memory and live process data can reveal injected code, active sessions, and encryption tooling that disappear after reboot or reimaging.
D
Distractor review
Begin restoring files from backup on the same workstation before containment is finished.
Restoring too early can overwrite evidence and may reintroduce compromised files or malware before the incident is understood.
E
Distractor review
Reenable the user's mapped drives so they can verify which files are affected.
Reconnecting shares increases the chance of spreading encryption and does nothing to contain the incident.
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 affected endpoint from the network using EDR or NAC. — EDR network isolation is the fastest way to stop the workstation from reaching peers while keeping the machine powered for investigation. Capturing volatile evidence next preserves running processes, memory-resident malware, open connections, and encryption keys before eradication or reboot. That sequence gives the SOC containment with minimal loss of forensic value and avoids blind actions such as immediate shutdown or hasty reimaging. Why others are wrong: Powering off removes volatile data and can interrupt evidence collection. Restoring from backup before containment risks overwriting artifacts and may spread compromised content back into the environment. Reenabling shares would increase exposure instead of reducing it, so it is the opposite of a sound containment decision.
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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