Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A security architect is designing a solution to process highly sensitive financial transactions in a shared cloud environment. The architect needs to ensure that the processor and memory used to handle transaction data are isolated from the host operating system and other virtual machines, even if the hypervisor is compromised. Which technology is specifically designed to provide this level of isolation for code and data during runtime?
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
Distractor review
Trusted Platform Module (TPM)
A TPM provides hardware-based secure storage for cryptographic keys and platform attestation, but it does not isolate runtime memory or processes from the OS or hypervisor.
B
Distractor review
Hardware Security Module (HSM)
An HSM is a specialized device for managing cryptographic keys and performing cryptographic operations, but it is not designed to run arbitrary application code in isolated memory enclaves.
C
Best answer
Secure enclave (e.g., Intel SGX)
A secure enclave, such as Intel Software Guard Extensions (SGX), creates hardware-enforced encrypted regions of memory that protect code and data from access by the host OS, hypervisor, or other processes, even if those lower layers are compromised.
D
Distractor review
UEFI Secure Boot
Secure Boot ensures that only digitally signed boot loaders and operating system kernels are executed during the startup process. It does not provide runtime isolation for applications.
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: Secure enclave (e.g., Intel SGX) — The scenario requires hardware-enforced isolation of runtime processes and memory from the underlying OS and hypervisor. This is a core capability of a secure enclave (e.g., Intel SGX, AMD SEV). A TPM provides attestation and secure storage but does not isolate runtime memory. An HSM protects cryptographic keys and operations but is not designed for general-purpose code execution isolation. Secure Boot ensures only trusted bootloaders are loaded but does not protect applications at runtime.
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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