Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A security analyst detects real-time data exfiltration from a critical production database that supports customer transactions. The exfiltration appears to be occurring via a compromised application service account. Which containment strategy should the analyst implement FIRST to minimize damage while preserving forensic data?
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 database server from the network.
Correct. Disconnecting the server immediately stops the data flow to the attacker, preserving the database state and forensic data without crashing the server.
B
Distractor review
Shut down the database server.
Incorrect. Shutting down the server can cause loss of volatile evidence (e.g., running processes, network connections) and may result in data corruption or disruption to critical services.
C
Distractor review
Implement network segmentation to isolate the server.
Incorrect. While segmentation is a good long-term containment measure, it takes time to configure and does not immediately stop the active exfiltration that is already in progress.
D
Distractor review
Block the IP address of the suspected attacker.
Incorrect. Blocking an IP address is a weak containment measure because attackers often use multiple IPs or anonymization techniques, and it does not address the compromised internal account that is still connected.
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 database server from the network. — During an incident, the first priority after detection is to contain the threat and stop the immediate damage. Disconnecting the database server from the network (option A) is the most effective first step because it immediately halts the ongoing data exfiltration without destroying volatile data in memory. Shutting down the server (option B) risks losing uncommitted transactions and can destroy evidence. Implementing network segmentation (option C) takes time to configure and does not stop the current connection. Blocking the attacker's IP address (option D) is less effective because the attacker may use multiple IPs or proxies, and it does not disconnect the compromised internal service account.
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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