Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A security analyst receives an alert from the intrusion detection system (IDS) indicating a high volume of outbound traffic from a single internal workstation to an external IP address known to be associated with a command-and-control (C2) server. The workstation's user reports no unusual activity. Which of the following should the analyst do 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 immediate containment is critical. Isolating the workstation stops potential data exfiltration and prevents the attacker from using the system to move laterally or execute further commands.
B
Distractor review
Run a full antivirus scan on the workstation.
While scanning may be part of the investigation, it is not the first priority. The system is actively communicating with a C2 server, and delaying containment could allow data theft or additional compromise. Containment should come before remediation.
C
Distractor review
Review firewall logs to see if the traffic is being blocked.
Reviewing logs does not immediately address the active threat. The analyst must act to stop the ongoing communication; log analysis can be performed after containment.
D
Distractor review
Inform the user to shut down the workstation.
Shutting down the workstation would stop the traffic but may destroy volatile evidence (e.g., running processes, memory artifacts). A proper forensic acquisition requires controlled disconnection rather than a shutdown.
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 first step in incident response is to identify and isolate the affected system to prevent further damage and data exfiltration. Disconnecting the workstation from the network contains the threat and allows for a thorough investigation without risking lateral movement or continued C2 communication.
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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