Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
An investigator must collect data from a suspected insider-threat laptop so the evidence could be used in an HR and legal review. Which action best preserves admissibility?
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
Boot the laptop normally and browse the user's files for clues
Booting the system normally can change timestamps, modify files, and alter evidence in ways that weaken chain of custody.
B
Best answer
Create a forensic image through a write blocker and record hashes before and after acquisition
This is the correct preservation method because it avoids altering the original disk and creates verifiable integrity checks. Using a write blocker prevents writes to the source media, and hashes document that the image matches the evidence. Detailed chain-of-custody records then support admissibility in HR, disciplinary, or legal proceedings.
C
Distractor review
Copy the user's documents to a USB drive and continue the investigation later
A simple file copy is not a forensic acquisition method and can miss metadata, deleted artifacts, and other important evidence.
D
Distractor review
Take screenshots of the desktop and delete the original drive contents afterward
Screenshots are only partial evidence, and deleting the original drive would destroy the source material needed for forensic validation.
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: Create a forensic image through a write blocker and record hashes before and after acquisition — The best practice is to acquire a forensic image through a write blocker and document hashes before and after the acquisition. That process helps prove the original evidence was not altered and allows another examiner to verify integrity later. Screenshots and file copies may support an initial review, but they do not capture the full evidentiary context. Proper documentation and chain of custody are essential when the results may be used in formal proceedings. Why others are wrong: Booting the laptop normally can modify files and timestamps, which can weaken evidence integrity. Copying only selected documents omits metadata, deleted files, and system artifacts that might matter in an investigation. Taking screenshots alone is incomplete, and deleting the original drive would destroy the source evidence entirely, making validation and legal review much harder.
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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