Question 1hardmulti select
Full question →hardmulti selectObjective-mapped
Exhibit
Server review: - Inbound firewall policy: allow any source to any port - Web service account: domain admin - Required flows: load balancer to web service, jump host to admin port - No other inbound access should be permitted
A web server should accept traffic only from a load balancer and a management jump host. The current host firewall allows all inbound ports, and the web service runs as a domain administrator. Which two changes most improve hardening without breaking the required access pattern? 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
Restrict host firewall rules to required source addresses and ports.
Restricting the firewall to only the needed sources and ports reduces the attack surface immediately. It enforces the trust boundary around the server and prevents unnecessary inbound exposure from other networks.
B
Best answer
Run the service under a dedicated nonadministrative service account.
A dedicated low-privilege account follows least privilege and limits damage if the web service is compromised. The service can still function, but it no longer carries unnecessary domain administrator power.
C
Distractor review
Leave SSH open to every subnet and rely on strong passwords.
Open access across all subnets creates a wide attack surface. Strong passwords help, but they do not compensate for exposing management services to networks that do not need them.
D
Distractor review
Give the service account local administrator rights so it can restart itself.
Extra administrative rights increase the impact of compromise and are not required for a normal web service. Self-restart can usually be handled through a service manager without granting full admin privileges.
E
Distractor review
Disable patching during business hours permanently.
Disabling patching indefinitely hurts resilience and leaves known vulnerabilities unaddressed. Maintenance windows should be planned, not eliminated, especially for internet-facing systems.
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: Restrict host firewall rules to required source addresses and ports. — The best improvements are to narrow the host firewall and to run the web service with a dedicated nonadministrative account. Firewall restrictions enforce the intended trust boundary by allowing only the load balancer and jump host. Least-privilege service identity limits what an attacker can do if the web app is compromised, which is a core hardening principle for any production server. Why others are wrong: Leaving SSH open broadly is an unnecessary exposure, and strong passwords do not offset a poor network design. Giving a service account administrator rights expands risk instead of reducing it. Skipping patching is not hardening at all; it leaves known weaknesses in place and increases long-term exposure.
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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