Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A security analyst at a financial firm notices a significant increase in DNS queries from an internal server to a rarely visited external domain. The queries are for unusual subdomain names that contain encoded data. The server is not a DNS server and does not typically generate outbound traffic. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate immediate action for the analyst to take?
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
Block all outbound DNS traffic from the server immediately.
Blocking all DNS traffic may prevent legitimate services that rely on name resolution, and it does not address the underlying compromise. Attackers could also use alternative exfiltration methods. This action is too broad and does not follow the containment-first principle.
B
Best answer
Isolate the server from the network to prevent further data loss.
Isolation effectively stops the ongoing DNS tunneling by severing the server’s network connectivity. This contains the incident, prevents additional data exfiltration, and provides a controlled environment for further forensic analysis. It aligns with standard incident response procedures.
C
Distractor review
Create a firewall rule to log all further DNS queries from the server.
Logging is a detection and monitoring technique, but it does not stop the active exfiltration. The analyst already knows the server is compromised; enabling logging without containment allows data loss to continue. This is a step better suited after containment.
D
Distractor review
Run an antivirus scan on the server.
Antivirus scans may detect known malware, but DNS tunneling tools are often custom or fileless and may bypass traditional signatures. Moreover, scanning is a lengthy process that does not immediately halt the exfiltration. Containment should come before remediation.
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: Isolate the server from the network to prevent further data loss. — The scenario describes DNS tunneling, a common technique for data exfiltration where attackers encode stolen data in DNS queries. The priority in such an incident is to contain the threat and prevent further data loss. Isolating the server (Option B) immediately stops the exfiltration and preserves evidence for later analysis. Blocking all DNS traffic (Option A) might disrupt legitimate services and does not address the potential compromise. Logging all DNS queries (Option C) is a detection step but does not halt the ongoing data loss. Running an antivirus scan (Option D) may not detect the tunneling tool and takes time during which exfiltration continues. Therefore, isolation is the most appropriate immediate action.
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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