- A
Boot the laptop normally and browse the user's files for clues
Why wrong: Booting the system normally can change timestamps, modify files, and alter evidence in ways that weaken chain of custody.
- B
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
Copy the user's documents to a USB drive and continue the investigation later
Why wrong: A simple file copy is not a forensic acquisition method and can miss metadata, deleted artifacts, and other important evidence.
- D
Take screenshots of the desktop and delete the original drive contents afterward
Why wrong: Screenshots are only partial evidence, and deleting the original drive would destroy the source material needed for forensic validation.
SY0-701 Security Operations Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of security operations. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
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?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Create a forensic image through a write blocker and record hashes before and after acquisition
Option B is correct because creating a forensic image through a write blocker ensures the original evidence is not altered, preserving its integrity for admissibility in HR and legal proceedings. Recording hashes before and after acquisition allows verification that the image is an exact, unmodified copy, which is critical for chain of custody and meeting legal standards such as Daubert or Federal Rules of Evidence.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Boot the laptop normally and browse the user's files for clues
Why it's wrong here
Booting the system normally can change timestamps, modify files, and alter evidence in ways that weaken chain of custody.
- ✓
Create a forensic image through a write blocker and record hashes before and after acquisition
Why this is correct
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.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Copy the user's documents to a USB drive and continue the investigation later
Why it's wrong here
A simple file copy is not a forensic acquisition method and can miss metadata, deleted artifacts, and other important evidence.
- ✗
Take screenshots of the desktop and delete the original drive contents afterward
Why it's wrong here
Screenshots are only partial evidence, and deleting the original drive would destroy the source material needed for forensic validation.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may think booting normally or copying files is sufficient for evidence collection, but the exam emphasizes that any action that modifies the original media breaks the chain of custody and makes evidence inadmissible in legal proceedings.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
A forensic write blocker operates at the hardware or software level to intercept write commands (e.g., ATA commands like WRITE DMA or WRITE SECTORS) and block them from reaching the drive, ensuring read-only access. Tools like dd or FTK Imager then create a bit-for-bit copy (forensic image) of the entire drive, including unallocated space and file slack, which is hashed using SHA-256 or MD5 before and after acquisition to detect any changes. In a real-world insider-threat case, failing to use a write blocker could allow the suspect to claim that evidence was planted or altered, undermining the entire investigation.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A SOC analyst notices unusual lateral movement in the network at 2 AM. The IR playbook dictates: identify and contain (isolate the affected machine), then eradicate (remove the malware), then recover (restore from backup), then document. Skipping containment before eradication risks the attacker regaining access. Questions like this test the sequence and rationale of incident response phases.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SY0-701 question test?
Security Operations — This question tests Security Operations — 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 — Option B is correct because creating a forensic image through a write blocker ensures the original evidence is not altered, preserving its integrity for admissibility in HR and legal proceedings. Recording hashes before and after acquisition allows verification that the image is an exact, unmodified copy, which is critical for chain of custody and meeting legal standards such as Daubert or Federal Rules of Evidence.
What should I do if I get this SY0-701 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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