A security analyst is investigating a data integrity incident where an attacker exploited a vulnerability in a web application to alter customer account balance records in the database. The analyst identifies the exact records that were modified and restores those records from a verified read-only backup taken prior to the attack. Which security goal is the analyst primarily addressing by restoring the records from backup?
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.
Distractor review
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is about preventing unauthorized access to data. The backup restoration does not address whether the data was exposed; it focuses on correcting unauthorized modifications.
Best answer
Integrity
Integrity ensures data is accurate and has not been improperly altered. By restoring the database to a state before the unauthorized modifications, the analyst is directly correcting a breach of integrity.
Distractor review
Availability
Availability ensures systems and data are accessible when needed. While the restoration does make the correct data available again, the primary driver for the action is to fix the integrity violation, not to restore availability (which was not lost).
Distractor review
Non-repudiation
Non-repudiation provides proof of an action or event, such as a digital signature. Restoring from backup does not provide evidence of who performed the modifications; it only corrects the data.
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: Integrity — Restoring data from a known-correct backup directly addresses the integrity goal by reverting altered data to its original, uncorrupted state. While backups are also used to support availability, the primary objective in this scenario is to ensure the data is accurate and has not been tampered with, which is the definition of integrity. Confidentiality would involve preventing unauthorized disclosure, and non-repudiation involves proving actions were taken by specific entities, neither of which is the immediate focus of this restoration 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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