Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A security analyst detects unusual outbound traffic from a workstation to an external IP address known for command and control. The analyst has verified the alert and wants to contain the threat. According to the NIST SP 800-61 incident response process, which of the following steps should the analyst take 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
Best answer
Disconnect the workstation from the network
This is correct because it directly implements containment by isolating the compromised workstation, preventing further data exfiltration or lateral movement.
B
Distractor review
Perform a forensic analysis of the workstation
Forensic analysis is typically performed after containment to gather evidence, not as the first step. Attempting analysis before containment may allow the threat to continue.
C
Distractor review
Reimage the workstation
Reimaging is part of the eradication and recovery phases, which occur after containment. It should not be done before containment, as it may destroy evidence and fail to stop ongoing network activity.
D
Distractor review
Alert the system administrator
While notifying administrators is part of communication in incident response, it is not the first containment action. The immediate priority is to contain the threat technically.
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 workstation from the network — The NIST SP 800-61 incident response process includes phases: Preparation, Detection & Analysis, Containment, Eradication, Recovery, and Post-Incident Activity. After detection and analysis, the next phase is Containment. Disconnecting the workstation from the network is a common containment step to prevent further command-and-control communication and limit the scope of the incident. Forensic analysis occurs during analysis or later during containment with proper imaging. Reimaging is an eradication step, not a first containment step. Alerting the system administrator is important for communication but is not the first technical containment 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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