Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A nightly patch script restarts services on 40 Linux servers. Security does not want an administrator to log in interactively, and the script should only have the permissions needed to install approved patches and restart those services. What is the best design?
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
Run the script with a dedicated automation account that has only the required sudo permissions
This satisfies least privilege while allowing unattended execution. A dedicated automation account can be limited to patching and service restart actions only.
B
Distractor review
Use the root account for every scheduled execution to avoid permission errors
Root access is broader than necessary and increases the impact of credential theft, script misuse, or configuration mistakes.
C
Distractor review
Hard-code the administrator password in the script so it never prompts
Embedding credentials in scripts creates a major secret-management risk and makes password rotation difficult and error-prone.
D
Distractor review
Ask each server owner to manually patch their system during the maintenance window
Manual patching is inconsistent, slow, and harder to audit than a controlled automated workflow with limited permissions.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
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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?
Authentication checks who the user is.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Run the script with a dedicated automation account that has only the required sudo permissions — A dedicated automation account with only the needed sudo permissions is the best design because it supports unattended patching without granting unnecessary administrative power. This follows least privilege and reduces risk if the script or credentials are compromised. It also creates a clear audit trail for scheduled maintenance tasks. The goal is to make the workflow repeatable, controlled, and limited to exactly the actions required for the patch job. Why others are wrong: Using root for every job gives far more access than the script needs and increases the damage from a compromise. Hard-coding a password creates a secret-management problem and makes rotation difficult. Relying on manual patching is slower, less consistent, and harder to audit, which undermines the benefits of secure automation and scheduled maintenance.
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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