Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A security team suspects a rootkit after seeing hidden processes, boot-time persistence, and altered system files on a laptop. What is the best next step after confirming the suspicion?
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
Run a quick cleanup script and return the laptop to the user
Rootkits are difficult to trust-clean, and a quick cleanup does not provide assurance of full removal.
B
Best answer
Disconnect the laptop, then reimage it from a known-good source
A rootkit can hide deeply in the system, so reimaging from trusted media is the safest way to restore integrity.
C
Distractor review
Disable the user account and leave the device in place
Account disabling may limit access, but it does not remove malicious code already installed on the laptop.
D
Distractor review
Delete the suspected hidden files manually from Windows Explorer
Manual deletion is unreliable because rootkits can conceal components and reinstall themselves after partial removal.
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 laptop, then reimage it from a known-good source — After confirming a rootkit, the best next step is to disconnect the laptop and reimage it from a known-good source. Rootkits can hide processes, alter files, and survive ordinary cleanup attempts, which makes trust in the operating system itself questionable. Reimaging restores integrity more reliably than trying to surgically remove hidden components on a potentially compromised platform. Why others are wrong: A quick cleanup script is not reliable for deeply embedded malware. Disabling the account may reduce misuse but does not remove the infection. Manually deleting files through the file browser is ineffective against hidden or self-protecting malware and can leave the system compromised.
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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