Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
An EDR alert shows powershell.exe launching with an encoded command, no new executable written to disk, and a registry run key added for persistence. Outbound HTTPS traffic then begins to a rare external domain. Which type of malware behavior is most likely?
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
Worm behavior, because the malware is automatically spreading across the network.
Worms are self-replicating and spread to other hosts. The evidence here focuses on in-memory execution and persistence, not network propagation.
B
Best answer
Fileless attack, because the malicious activity is using legitimate tools and memory rather than a dropped payload.
The alert shows encoded PowerShell, no new file on disk, and persistence through a registry run key. That pattern strongly suggests a fileless attack, where attackers abuse trusted system tools and memory-based execution to avoid traditional file detection.
C
Distractor review
Rootkit behavior, because the attacker is hiding from the operating system at a low level.
Rootkits focus on stealth and deep system compromise, often by hiding processes or files. The visible clues here point more directly to script abuse and diskless execution.
D
Distractor review
Spyware, because the malware is using HTTPS traffic to contact an external domain.
Spyware is designed to secretly collect information. While outbound HTTPS can be used by spyware, the encoded PowerShell and fileless behavior are more specific indicators in this case.
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: Fileless attack, because the malicious activity is using legitimate tools and memory rather than a dropped payload. — The strongest match is a fileless attack. Security tools often flag encoded PowerShell, suspicious registry persistence, and outbound connections to uncommon domains when an attacker avoids dropping a traditional executable. Fileless techniques make detection harder because they rely on legitimate tools already present on the system. In an incident response workflow, the host should be isolated quickly and volatile evidence preserved. Why others are wrong: A worm would show replication to other systems. A rootkit would emphasize hiding deep in the OS, which is not the primary clue here. Spyware can exfiltrate data, but the main indicators are script-based execution, persistence, and no file on disk, which are hallmarks of fileless activity.
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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