Question 1easymulti select
Full question →easymulti selectObjective-mapped
A security team wants to verify that a server has not drifted from its approved hardened configuration after several months of changes. Which two actions help most? 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.
A
Best answer
Compare the current configuration against the approved baseline.
A baseline comparison directly shows whether the server still matches the secure standard that was originally approved. It is one of the clearest ways to identify configuration drift.
B
Best answer
Run a configuration compliance or hardening scan.
Automated compliance scanning checks the system for missing settings, enabled services, and other deviations from the expected build. It is a practical way to detect drift consistently.
C
Distractor review
Restart the server and wait for users to report problems.
A reboot does not reveal whether the configuration matches the baseline. Waiting for user complaints is reactive and can allow problems to persist unnoticed.
D
Distractor review
Increase the storage capacity on the server.
More storage may help with capacity, but it does not tell you whether the system configuration has drifted. It is unrelated to baseline verification.
E
Distractor review
Change the desktop wallpaper to remind users of the policy.
A wallpaper reminder may support awareness, but it does not validate the server's configuration. It is not a technical drift-detection control.
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: Compare the current configuration against the approved baseline. — To detect configuration drift, the team should compare the current server state to the approved baseline and use automated compliance scanning. These two actions show whether settings, services, or other hardening controls have changed over time. This is important because a system can slowly become less secure as administrators make ad hoc changes unless the environment is checked against the standard. Why others are wrong: Reboots, extra storage, and wallpaper changes do not measure the system against an approved security standard. They may affect operations or awareness, but they do not identify unauthorized or accidental configuration changes. Baseline comparison and compliance scanning are the right controls for this task.
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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