- A
Recompute the SHA-256 hash of the received image and compare it to the acquisition record.
Hash verification proves the image bytes match what was originally collected and have not changed in transit.
- B
Mount the original disk read/write so the file system can repair itself before analysis.
Why wrong: Writing to the original evidence alters it and can destroy the very artifacts the forensic process is meant to preserve.
- C
Record the transfer, date, time, and handler names in the chain-of-custody log.
A complete chain-of-custody record shows who controlled the evidence and when, which supports admissibility and accountability.
- D
Convert the image to another format before hashing so the tool can open it.
Why wrong: Changing the format can change the bytes and breaks the direct comparison to the original acquisition hash value.
- E
Rename evidence files to match the case number and avoid confusion.
Why wrong: Renaming may help organization, but it does not prove integrity or document evidence handling for legal review.
Quick Answer
The correct actions are to recompute the SHA-256 hash of the received disk image and compare it to the original hash, and to record the transfer, date, time, and handler names in the chain-of-custody log. Recomputing the hash verifies data integrity because SHA-256 is a cryptographic hash function that produces a unique fixed-size output; if even a single bit of the image changes, the hash will differ, proving the image is unchanged from acquisition. The chain-of-custody log, meanwhile, documents every handoff to ensure the evidence handling process is defensible in court. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this tests your understanding of forensic procedures under Domain 4 (Security Operations), where a common trap is to confuse hashing for confidentiality rather than integrity. Remember: hash for integrity, log for custody—if the hash matches, the data hasn’t moved; if the log is complete, the chain hasn’t been broken.
SY0-701 Security Operations Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of security operations. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
An analyst receives a disk image and the original hash from a response team member. Before any examination begins, the analyst must be able to show the image is unchanged and that the evidence handling process is defensible. Which two actions are most important? Select two.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Recompute the SHA-256 hash of the received image and compare it to the acquisition record.
Recomputing the SHA-256 hash of the received image and comparing it to the original acquisition record is essential to verify data integrity. SHA-256 is a cryptographic hash function that produces a unique fixed-size output; if even one bit of the image changes, the hash will differ. This comparison proves the image has not been altered during transit or storage, which is a foundational requirement for maintaining forensic soundness.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Recompute the SHA-256 hash of the received image and compare it to the acquisition record.
Why this is correct
Hash verification proves the image bytes match what was originally collected and have not changed in transit.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Mount the original disk read/write so the file system can repair itself before analysis.
Why it's wrong here
Writing to the original evidence alters it and can destroy the very artifacts the forensic process is meant to preserve.
- ✓
Record the transfer, date, time, and handler names in the chain-of-custody log.
Why this is correct
A complete chain-of-custody record shows who controlled the evidence and when, which supports admissibility and accountability.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Convert the image to another format before hashing so the tool can open it.
Why it's wrong here
Changing the format can change the bytes and breaks the direct comparison to the original acquisition hash value.
- ✗
Rename evidence files to match the case number and avoid confusion.
Why it's wrong here
Renaming may help organization, but it does not prove integrity or document evidence handling for legal review.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may think mounting the image read/write (Option B) is acceptable for file system repair, but any write operation violates forensic integrity principles and invalidates the hash comparison.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SHA-256 is part of the SHA-2 family defined in FIPS PUB 180-4, producing a 256-bit (32-byte) digest. In forensic practice, the original hash is typically recorded in an acquisition report (e.g., from tools like FTK Imager or dd with sha256sum). The chain-of-custody log (Option C) must include timestamps, handler names, and transfer details to meet legal standards such as Federal Rule of Evidence 901, ensuring the evidence can be traced from collection to analysis without gaps.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A SOC analyst notices unusual lateral movement in the network at 2 AM. The IR playbook dictates: identify and contain (isolate the affected machine), then eradicate (remove the malware), then recover (restore from backup), then document. Skipping containment before eradication risks the attacker regaining access. Questions like this test the sequence and rationale of incident response phases.
What to study next
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SY0-701 question test?
Security Operations — This question tests Security Operations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Recompute the SHA-256 hash of the received image and compare it to the acquisition record. — Recomputing the SHA-256 hash of the received image and comparing it to the original acquisition record is essential to verify data integrity. SHA-256 is a cryptographic hash function that produces a unique fixed-size output; if even one bit of the image changes, the hash will differ. This comparison proves the image has not been altered during transit or storage, which is a foundational requirement for maintaining forensic soundness.
What should I do if I get this SY0-701 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This SY0-701 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SY0-701 exam.
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