- A
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.
- B
Record running processes, open network connections, and logged-on users
This preserves transient state that can explain malware behavior and active lateral movement.
- C
Shut the workstation down immediately and restart it cleanly
Why wrong: Powering off first destroys volatile data that may be critical to understanding the compromise.
- D
Run a disk defragmentation utility to prepare for imaging
Why wrong: Defragmenting changes disk contents and is inappropriate during evidence preservation.
- E
Uninstall the suspected malware before collecting any evidence
Why wrong: Removing suspected malware too early can erase forensic artifacts and destroy the timeline.
Quick Answer
The answer is to capture RAM and record running processes, open network connections, and logged-on users. This is correct because volatile evidence—such as encryption keys, active network sessions, and malware processes—exists only in memory and is permanently lost the moment the system is shut down. By preserving volatile evidence before shutdown, you freeze the system’s live state, allowing forensic analysis of what was actively running and connected at the time of suspicion. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of order of volatility and incident response procedures; a common trap is choosing to pull the plug or disconnect the network first, which destroys critical data. Remember the memory tip: “RAM first, then record—shutdown is the last resort.”
SY0-701 Security Operations Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of security operations. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
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.
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Capture RAM or a volatile memory image before the system is powered off
Option A is correct because capturing RAM or a volatile memory image preserves data that is lost when the system is powered off, such as running processes, encryption keys, and network connections. This is a fundamental step in forensic incident response to ensure volatile evidence is not destroyed before analysis.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Capture RAM or a volatile memory image before the system is powered off
Why this is correct
Memory can contain running processes, network sessions, encryption keys, and malware artifacts that disappear on shutdown.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Record running processes, open network connections, and logged-on users
Why this is correct
This preserves transient state that can explain malware behavior and active lateral movement.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Shut the workstation down immediately and restart it cleanly
Why it's wrong here
Powering off first destroys volatile data that may be critical to understanding the compromise.
- ✗
Run a disk defragmentation utility to prepare for imaging
Why it's wrong here
Defragmenting changes disk contents and is inappropriate during evidence preservation.
- ✗
Uninstall the suspected malware before collecting any evidence
Why it's wrong here
Removing suspected malware too early can erase forensic artifacts and destroy the timeline.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may think immediate shutdown is safe or that disk defragmentation is a valid preparation step, but both destroy or alter evidence, violating forensic preservation principles.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Volatile memory contains data like process lists, network sockets, and kernel objects that are critical for identifying malware. Tools like FTK Imager or LiME capture a raw memory dump, while commands like `netstat -anob` (Windows) or `lsof -i` (Linux) record network connections. In a real-world scenario, a memory dump might reveal a rootkit hiding processes from the OS, which would be lost on shutdown.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SY0-701 question test?
Security Operations — This question tests Security Operations — 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 — Option A is correct because capturing RAM or a volatile memory image preserves data that is lost when the system is powered off, such as running processes, encryption keys, and network connections. This is a fundamental step in forensic incident response to ensure volatile evidence is not destroyed before analysis.
What should I do if I get this SY0-701 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This SY0-701 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SY0-701 exam.
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