Question 1mediummulti select
Full question →mediummulti selectObjective-mapped
A finance workstation is suspected of running malware. It is still powered on, the user is logged in, and the network cable is connected. Which two actions best preserve volatile evidence before shutdown? 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
Distractor review
Uninstall the suspected malware before collecting any evidence
Removing suspected malware too early can erase forensic artifacts and destroy the timeline.
B
Best answer
Capture RAM or a volatile memory image before the system is powered off
Memory can contain running processes, network sessions, encryption keys, and malware artifacts that disappear on shutdown.
C
Best answer
Record running processes, open network connections, and logged-on users
This preserves transient state that can explain malware behavior and active lateral movement.
D
Distractor review
Shut the workstation down immediately and restart it cleanly
Powering off first destroys volatile data that may be critical to understanding the compromise.
E
Distractor review
Run a disk defragmentation utility to prepare for imaging
Defragmenting changes disk contents and is inappropriate during evidence preservation.
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: Capture RAM or a volatile memory image before the system is powered off — The two best actions are to capture volatile memory and document the live system state, including processes, connections, and logged-on users. Memory often contains the most time-sensitive evidence, such as injected code, command history, or session material. Recording the active state preserves what the endpoint was doing before any shutdown or cleanup. These steps align with incident response priorities because they protect evidence that would otherwise be lost as soon as the machine powers off. Why others are wrong: Immediate shutdown is tempting, but it destroys valuable volatile evidence. Defragmenting modifies the disk and is not part of incident preservation. Uninstalling suspected malware is a remediation step that should wait until evidence is collected and the response plan has been followed. In a live incident, preserving the current state comes before cleanup so the team can investigate what happened and support possible legal or HR follow-up.
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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