An EDR alert shows a user workstation launching an unfamiliar executable from the Downloads folder and then making repeated outbound connections to an IP address in another country. What is the best first response by the security team?
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
Wait for more alerts before taking any action to avoid disrupting the user
Delaying action allows a possible compromise to continue, increasing risk to the endpoint and network.
Best answer
Isolate the workstation from the network and begin incident triage
This contains the suspected threat quickly while preserving enough evidence for triage and next steps.
Distractor review
Immediately reinstall the operating system without collecting evidence
Reimaging too early can destroy useful evidence and makes it harder to understand what happened.
Distractor review
Disable the user's account in the directory service and close the ticket
Account disablement may be useful later, but it does not stop malware already running on the host.
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: Isolate the workstation from the network and begin incident triage — The best first response is to isolate the workstation from the network. The alert shows signs of possible compromise: an unknown executable followed by suspicious outbound traffic. Isolation limits further damage, prevents command-and-control communication, and helps contain the event while analysts investigate. It also preserves the endpoint for triage so logs, memory, and file artifacts can still be reviewed before cleanup or reimaging. Why others are wrong: Waiting for more alerts gives the attacker more time. Reinstalling the OS immediately can erase evidence needed for investigation. Disabling the user account may help stop account misuse, but it does not contain malware already active on the machine. In this situation, containment comes first, then identity actions and remediation after evidence is gathered.
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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