A security manager is creating a document that requires every corporate laptop to use full-disk encryption, automatic screen locking after 10 minutes, and approved antivirus software. Which two governance artifacts best fit those requirements? Select two.
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
Policy
A policy gives broad management direction, but it usually does not list specific laptop settings.
Best answer
Standard
A standard defines mandatory requirements, such as required security settings that all laptops must meet.
Distractor review
Procedure
A procedure explains step-by-step actions, not the minimum technical settings that must exist.
Distractor review
Guideline
A guideline is advisory and flexible, so it does not enforce required security settings.
Best answer
Baseline
A baseline is the approved minimum configuration that systems should start from and remain aligned with.
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: Standard — Standards and baselines fit this requirement because the organization is defining mandatory minimum settings for all corporate laptops. A standard sets the required control, such as encryption or screen locking, while a baseline captures the approved secure starting configuration that devices should match. These artifacts are appropriate when the security team wants enforceable, measurable technical requirements rather than broad direction or optional advice. Why others are wrong: A policy is too high-level for specific laptop settings. A procedure explains how to perform a task, not the required state of the device. A guideline is only recommended practice, so it does not create a mandatory control. The question asks for documents that enforce and define the secure configuration, which points to standards and baselines instead.
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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