Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A security analyst at a financial firm detects an unusual spike in outbound network traffic from a database server that normally only communicates with internal web servers. The traffic is directed to numerous external IP addresses in various countries. According to established incident response procedures, what should be the analyst's immediate next step?
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
Disconnect the server from the network at the switch level.
Correct. Network isolation is a containment measure that stops the ongoing data exfiltration while preserving the server's state for later investigation. This aligns with the containment step in the NIST incident response framework.
B
Distractor review
Run a comprehensive antivirus scan on the server.
Incorrect. Running an antivirus scan may alert the attacker and does not immediately stop the data exfiltration. Containment should occur first; scanning is part of the eradication and recovery phases.
C
Distractor review
Notify the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) of the incident.
Incorrect. While notification is a critical step in incident response, the immediate action should be containment to limit damage. Reporting typically occurs after initial containment and verification of the incident.
D
Distractor review
Power off the server to prevent further damage.
Incorrect. Powering off the server may destroy volatile data (e.g., memory contents, running processes) that are vital for forensic analysis. Logical network isolation is preferred unless physical safety is at risk.
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: Disconnect the server from the network at the switch level. — The immediate priority in any suspected security incident is containment to prevent further damage or data loss. In this scenario, the abnormal outbound traffic strongly suggests data exfiltration, likely from a compromised database server. Disconnecting the server from the network at the switch level (logical isolation) effectively stops the unauthorized data transfer while preserving the server's state for forensic analysis. Running an antivirus scan is a subsequent step that could alert the adversary and does not stop active exfiltration. Notifying management is important but not the first action; containment comes before escalation. Powering off the server destroys volatile evidence (e.g., running processes, network connections) and is not recommended unless there is an immediate physical safety concern.
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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