Question 1easymultiple choice
Full question →easymultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A Linux server starts showing many failed SSH logins from one source IP address. Which log source should the analyst review first?
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
The system authentication log
This is the best choice because authentication logs record login attempts, failures, and success events. For SSH activity, the auth log or equivalent security log is the most direct place to confirm whether the attempts are real, what accounts were targeted, and whether any successful logon followed the failures. It provides the most useful first evidence for triage.
B
Distractor review
The printer spooler log
Printer logs do not normally record remote login attempts or SSH authentication events.
C
Distractor review
The browser history log
Browser history is unrelated to server-side SSH authentication activity.
D
Distractor review
The backup completion log
Backup logs may show job status, but they do not explain SSH login attempts.
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: The system authentication log — The system authentication log is the best source to review first because SSH failures and successes are recorded there. Security operations relies on the most relevant telemetry for quick triage, and authentication logs directly show whether the source IP is brute forcing credentials, targeting a specific account, or achieving a successful login. Starting with the right log speeds investigation and improves accuracy. Why others are wrong: Printer spooler logs and browser history are unrelated to server authentication events, so they will not help explain SSH failures. Backup completion logs may be important for recovery operations, but they do not show login attempts or account abuse. The correct log source is the one that directly captures the security event being investigated.
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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