A vulnerability scanner reports a critical issue on a Linux server. The administrator checks the application and confirms the vulnerable package is installed, but the affected feature is not enabled anywhere in production. What should the security team do next?
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
Ignore the finding permanently because the package is installed
Ignoring the finding without review could miss a real exposure if the feature becomes enabled later.
Best answer
Validate whether the issue is a false positive or lower-risk finding before prioritizing remediation
When scan results do not match actual exposure, the next step is to validate the finding and confirm real risk.
Distractor review
Immediately shut down the server without further investigation
Immediate shutdown may be unnecessary and disruptive if the issue is not actually exploitable in production.
Distractor review
Apply an exception without documenting any compensating controls
Exceptions should be documented and justified; they are not a substitute for confirming the true risk.
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: Validate whether the issue is a false positive or lower-risk finding before prioritizing remediation — The best next step is to validate the finding and determine whether it is truly exploitable in the environment. Vulnerability scanners can report issues based on installed software, but context matters, such as whether the vulnerable feature is actually enabled, reachable, or exposed. Good remediation prioritization starts with confirming real risk so the team spends effort on issues that can actually be exploited and avoids unnecessary outages or wasted work. Why others are wrong: Ignoring the issue is risky because the vulnerability may still become relevant later. Shutting down the server is excessive if the exposure is not real or immediate. An exception without documentation or compensating controls bypasses the normal risk management process and does not prove the finding is safe to accept.
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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