Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A sysadmin is preparing a dedicated database server for production. The server will not host web services, print services, or file sharing. Which action best follows least privilege and secure defaults?
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
Enable every management service so support can connect easily.
Incorrect. Enabling unnecessary services increases attack surface and conflicts with secure default principles.
B
Distractor review
Use the domain admin account to run the database service.
Incorrect. Domain admin rights are far broader than a database service needs and create unnecessary risk if the service is compromised.
C
Best answer
Disable unused services and run the database under a dedicated least-privilege service account.
Correct. Removing unnecessary services reduces the attack surface, and a dedicated service account limits the damage if the database process is compromised. This is a direct application of least privilege and secure defaults. It also supports cleaner auditing because the service activity is separated from administrator activity and unrelated functions are not exposed.
D
Distractor review
Share the same account with backup software to simplify troubleshooting.
Incorrect. Sharing accounts mixes responsibilities and makes it harder to enforce least privilege or trace actions accurately.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
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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?
Authentication checks who the user is.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Disable unused services and run the database under a dedicated least-privilege service account. — The best choice is to disable unused services and run the database under a dedicated least-privilege service account. This minimizes attack surface by removing functions the server does not need, and it limits the permissions available to the database process. If the service is attacked, the attacker inherits only the rights that account has, not broad administrative access. That is the practical meaning of hardening a production server. Why others are wrong: Enabling every management service expands exposure for no business benefit. A domain admin account gives far too much power to a routine application service. Sharing accounts with backup software reduces accountability and can unintentionally spread privileges. The scenario asks for the safest production hardening choice, which is to remove unnecessary components and keep service permissions narrow.
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.
Discussion
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