Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A security analyst notices unusual outbound traffic from a server that normally only communicates with internal clients. The traffic is encrypted and goes to an external IP address not on any blocklists. The analyst also finds a new scheduled task on the server that runs a PowerShell script. Which of the following best describes the analyst's immediate next step in the incident response process?
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 server from the network to contain the potential breach.
This is correct because containment is the immediate priority in incident response to stop the threat from spreading or causing more harm. Disconnecting the network cable or disabling the network interface is a simple and effective containment action.
B
Distractor review
Wipe the server and restore from a known good backup.
Wiping the server is premature and destructive. It would destroy volatile evidence needed for forensic analysis and root cause identification. Restoring from backup should only occur after proper evidence collection and containment.
C
Distractor review
Run a full antivirus scan on the server to identify malware.
While running an antivirus scan may be useful later, it is not the immediate next step. The scan could alert an attacker if the malware is configured to hide or delete evidence. Containment takes precedence to minimize potential damage.
D
Distractor review
Inform the legal department and law enforcement.
Legal and law enforcement notification occurs after the incident has been confirmed, classified, and initial containment has been performed. Jumping to notification without first containing the threat could lead to further compromise and loss of evidence.
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 server from the network to contain the potential breach. — According to standard incident response frameworks such as NIST SP 800-61, containment is one of the first and most critical steps after detecting a potential compromise. The unusual encrypted outbound traffic and the unauthorized scheduled task are strong indicators of compromise (IOCs). Disconnecting the server from the network immediately helps prevent further data exfiltration, lateral movement, or additional damage. Other actions, such as running a scan, wiping the server, or notifying legal, are performed later in the process after containment and evidence preservation.
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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