Question 1easymultiple choice
Full question →easymultiple choiceObjective-mapped
An auditor asks for evidence that the new workstation hardening baseline is actually applied across all finance laptops. Which evidence is the best to provide?
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
A copy of the hardening policy that says all laptops must be secured.
A policy shows what should happen, but it does not prove the baseline is actually applied to the devices in use.
B
Distractor review
A manager’s email confirming that the baseline was announced to the team.
An email can show communication, but it is not strong evidence that the control is operating effectively across all laptops.
C
Distractor review
Screenshots from one finance laptop showing the baseline settings.
A single screenshot is too limited because it only shows one device and does not prove organization-wide compliance.
D
Best answer
An automated compliance report from the configuration management tool showing baseline status across all devices.
An automated compliance report is the strongest evidence because it is repeatable, covers the full population, and shows whether the baseline is actually enforced. Auditors generally prefer objective evidence that can be validated across multiple systems rather than isolated screenshots or statements.
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: An automated compliance report from the configuration management tool showing baseline status across all devices. — The best evidence is an automated compliance report because it demonstrates control effectiveness across the entire set of finance laptops. Good audit evidence should be objective, consistent, and broad enough to support the claim being made. A configuration management report can show whether the baseline is deployed, where gaps exist, and whether remediation is needed, making it much stronger than a policy or email. Why others are wrong: A policy only states the requirement; it does not prove implementation. A manager email shows awareness or communication, not actual enforcement. A screenshot from one laptop is only a sample of one device and cannot prove the control is in place across the whole laptop population.
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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