Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A scan finds two issues: a critical flaw on a lab server reachable only through VPN, and a high-severity flaw on an internet-facing file transfer appliance with active exploitation in the wild. Which should be remediated 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
Distractor review
The lab server, because critical severity is always higher than high severity.
Severity matters, but exposure and active exploitation can outweigh a higher numeric score.
B
Best answer
The internet-facing file transfer appliance, because exploitability and exposure increase risk.
The internet-facing appliance should be fixed first because it is exposed to untrusted users and already being exploited in the wild. Risk-based prioritization considers not only severity but also exposure, exploit availability, and business impact. A high-severity flaw with active exploitation on a public-facing system is usually more urgent than a critical flaw on a restricted lab server.
C
Distractor review
Both issues at the same time, because prioritization is unnecessary when two findings are present.
Equal treatment ignores practical constraints and does not reflect risk-based remediation planning.
D
Distractor review
The lab server, because systems behind VPN are always more trusted than public systems.
VPN access reduces exposure, but it does not automatically make a vulnerability the highest risk finding.
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 internet-facing file transfer appliance, because exploitability and exposure increase risk. — The file transfer appliance should be remediated first because risk is driven by more than severity alone. An internet-facing asset with known exploitation in the wild has a much higher likelihood of being attacked successfully and can affect external users or sensitive data. The lab server is still important, but its restricted access and lower exposure make it a lower immediate risk in this scenario. Why others are wrong: Choosing the lab server based only on the word critical ignores exposure and active exploitation, which are major risk factors. Fixing both simultaneously is ideal only if resources allow; remediation still needs prioritization. A VPN does not guarantee safety, but it usually lowers exposure compared with an internet-facing service that attackers can reach directly.
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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