Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A SOC analyst investigates a host after an employee opens an invoice attachment. The endpoint shows PowerShell running in a hidden window, no new executable files are created on disk, and the same suspicious activity returns after a reboot. What is the most likely attack type?
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
Fileless attack, because the malicious activity is operating primarily in memory and using native tools.
Fileless attacks rely on legitimate scripting engines and memory-resident techniques instead of dropping obvious executable files. Hidden PowerShell activity, repeated behavior after reboot, and the absence of a new binary are strong signs that the attacker is leveraging trusted operating system components. This approach often helps malware evade traditional file-based scanning while still achieving persistence or command execution.
B
Distractor review
Ransomware, because the user opened an email attachment.
Opening an attachment is only the delivery method; the symptoms do not include encryption, ransom notes, or blocked file access.
C
Distractor review
Worm, because PowerShell is a common scripting tool.
A worm is defined by self-replication across systems, not by use of PowerShell or hidden execution alone.
D
Distractor review
Rootkit, because the attacker is hiding the process from normal tools.
Rootkits hide persistence or activity, but the key clues here are memory-only execution and use of native scripting tools.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
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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?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Fileless attack, because the malicious activity is operating primarily in memory and using native tools. — This is most consistent with a fileless attack. The malicious behavior uses built-in tools such as PowerShell and leaves little or no file artifact for traditional scanners to inspect. Because the activity returns after reboot, the attacker likely established persistence through scripts, registry entries, scheduled tasks, or related native mechanisms. Security teams should inspect memory, script logs, command-line history, and persistence locations. Why others are wrong: Ransomware would normally show encryption impact and ransom messaging. A worm would need signs of autonomous spreading to other hosts. A rootkit could hide activity, but the question emphasizes memory-based execution and native utilities, which are hallmarks of fileless tradecraft rather than a hidden kernel component.
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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