Question 1easymultiple choice
Full question →easymultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A scan finds two issues: a critical vulnerability on an internet-facing VPN appliance with public exploit code, and a medium-severity issue on an internal test server. Which should be fixed 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 internal test server issue, because test systems are always higher risk.
Internal test systems are not automatically the highest priority, especially when the other issue is critical and exposed to the internet.
B
Best answer
The VPN appliance issue, because it is critical and publicly exploitable.
An internet-facing critical vulnerability with available exploit code presents a much higher likelihood of real-world compromise and should be prioritized first.
C
Distractor review
Both issues at the same time without assigning a priority.
Teams should still prioritize remediation based on exposure, severity, and exploitability so limited resources are used on the greatest risk first.
D
Distractor review
Neither issue, because scanners can produce false positives.
False positives are possible, but a critical external vulnerability with exploit code should be validated and addressed urgently, not ignored.
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 VPN appliance issue, because it is critical and publicly exploitable. — The VPN appliance should be fixed first because it is both critical and internet-facing, and public exploit code increases the chance of active attack. Prioritization is not just about severity scores; exposure and exploit availability matter too. A remotely reachable edge device can become an entry point into the entire environment, so delaying that fix creates the greatest risk. Why others are wrong: An internal test server is usually less urgent when compared with a critical internet-exposed device. Handling both simultaneously is not a real prioritization decision. Assuming false positives and doing nothing is unsafe; the proper response is to verify and remediate the highest-risk issue first.
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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