Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A resolver log shows multiple clients querying the correct internal host name, but the DNS server starts returning an unexpected public IP address after a burst of unsolicited DNS responses from outside the network. Users are sent to a lookalike login page. What type of attack is most likely occurring?
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
DNS poisoning
DNS poisoning is the best fit when incorrect DNS records or forged responses cause clients to resolve a legitimate name to a malicious address.
B
Distractor review
Brute-force authentication
Brute-force attacks guess credentials, but they do not change name resolution results or redirect users through DNS responses.
C
Distractor review
Port scanning
Port scanning enumerates open services and does not cause clients to be redirected to a counterfeit website.
D
Distractor review
Packet sniffing
Packet sniffing is passive traffic capture, while this scenario requires active manipulation of DNS resolution.
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: DNS poisoning — DNS poisoning is the correct answer because the attacker is interfering with name resolution so users are sent to a fraudulent site instead of the real host. The mention of unsolicited responses and a sudden change in the resolved IP address strongly suggests a spoofed DNS reply or cache corruption. This is dangerous because many users will trust the correct name and never notice the IP change unless additional validation is in place. Why others are wrong: Brute-force authentication attacks login credentials and does not alter DNS answers. Port scanning is reconnaissance, not response manipulation. Packet sniffing is passive observation of traffic and would not cause a redirect to a malicious login page. The core issue here is poisoned name resolution, not credential guessing or traffic collection.
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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