Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A security analyst detects an encrypted outbound connection from a web server to an unknown IP address. The connection is persistent and occurs every 5 minutes. What is the MOST appropriate first step 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
Disconnect the server from the network immediately.
While isolating a compromised system is sometimes necessary, doing so immediately without investigation may destroy volatile forensic evidence, disrupt legitimate services, and prevent understanding of the attacker's methods. Disconnection should be considered only after initial analysis indicates a clear threat.
B
Distractor review
Block the IP address at the perimeter firewall.
Blocking the IP address addresses the symptom but not the root cause. The malware or process causing the connection remains active on the server, and the attacker may simply switch to a different IP. This step is premature without knowing what is causing the connection.
C
Best answer
Review the server's process list and logs to identify the source.
This is the correct first step. By examining the process list and logs (e.g., system, firewall, and application logs), the analyst can determine the specific process or service responsible for the outbound connection, assess whether it is malicious, and gather evidence for further investigation or escalation.
D
Distractor review
Escalate the incident to the incident response team.
Escalation is appropriate once the analyst has performed initial triage and can provide the incident response team with specific findings, such as the process causing the connection and relevant log entries. Immediate escalation without investigation may delay resolution and lack necessary context.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
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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?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Review the server's process list and logs to identify the source. — In incident response, the initial step should focus on gathering information to understand the nature of the suspicious activity before taking any irreversible actions. Reviewing the server's process list and logs allows the analyst to identify which process is initiating the outbound connection, determine if it is legitimate or malicious, and collect forensic evidence. This approach aligns with the 'identify' phase of incident response and helps avoid destroying evidence or making inaccurate assumptions.
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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