Question 1easymultiple choice
Full question →easymultiple choiceObjective-mapped
An investigator needs a copy of a suspect laptop drive for analysis without changing the original media. What should be used?
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 compressed archive of the desktop contents
A compressed archive captures only selected files, not the complete disk state or deleted data.
B
Distractor review
A simple file copy of the user folder
A file copy does not preserve all metadata, deleted data, or disk structures needed for forensics.
C
Best answer
A full forensic image taken with a write blocker
This is the best answer because a forensic image creates a bit-for-bit copy of the drive while a write blocker prevents accidental changes to the original media. That combination preserves evidentiary integrity and allows the investigator to analyze the copy safely. It is the standard approach when the original disk may later be needed in court or for formal review.
D
Distractor review
The original drive mounted normally on the investigator machine
Mounting the original drive normally can alter data and weaken forensic integrity.
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: A full forensic image taken with a write blocker — A full forensic image taken with a write blocker is the correct method because it preserves the original drive contents while allowing analysis of an exact copy. This approach protects evidence from modification and supports chain of custody. Forensic work depends on repeatable, defensible collection methods, and a bit-for-bit image is far stronger than a partial file copy or archive. Why others are wrong: A simple file copy loses important artifacts such as deleted files, timestamps, and slack space. A compressed archive only includes selected items and is not a complete representation of the disk. Mounting the original drive directly risks changing metadata or writing to the disk, which can compromise evidence and create legal challenges later.
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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