Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
An external auditor asks for proof that quarterly privileged access reviews were completed and that any exceptions were tracked to closure during the last year. Which evidence is MOST appropriate 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 screenshot of one administrator's account showing current privileges.
A single screenshot does not prove that periodic reviews occurred or that exceptions were tracked across the full audit period.
B
Best answer
Signed access review records and remediation tickets from the access management process.
This is the best evidence because it directly shows the process was performed and that findings were handled. Signed review records demonstrate that quarterly reviews occurred, and remediation or exception tickets show that identified issues were tracked and resolved. Auditors look for traceable, repeatable evidence rather than isolated screenshots or verbal confirmation, so process records are the strongest support.
C
Distractor review
The security policy that says access reviews must happen every quarter.
A policy states the requirement, but it does not prove the reviews were actually performed or that exceptions were closed.
D
Distractor review
An email from the system administrator stating that reviews were completed on time.
An email may be helpful, but it is weak evidence compared with controlled process records and tracked remediation artifacts.
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
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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
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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: Signed access review records and remediation tickets from the access management process. — Auditors want evidence that a control operated as designed over time, not just a statement that it should have happened. Signed access review records prove the quarterly reviews were completed, and remediation tickets or exception records show that issues were tracked and resolved. Together, these artifacts provide both control execution evidence and follow-up evidence, which is exactly what an audit trail needs. This is stronger than a policy or a single snapshot. Why others are wrong: A screenshot only shows a moment in time and does not prove periodic review or issue closure. A policy establishes expectations, but policies are not evidence of execution. An email may indicate someone claims the work was done, but it lacks the structured traceability and accountability auditors typically require. The strongest evidence is process documentation plus remediation records.
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.
Discussion
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