Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
An organization's file server contains sensitive HR data. The security team discovers that permissions on a confidential folder have been altered. Which of the following security controls would MOST likely help determine the account responsible for this change?
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
Data loss prevention (DLP) system
A DLP system is designed to detect and prevent unauthorized data transfers or leaks. It does not record who changed file permissions; it monitors data in motion or at rest for policy violations.
B
Distractor review
Mandatory access control (MAC)
MAC is a security model that uses system-wide policies to control access to resources, typically based on labels. While it defines who can access what, it does not log or track the history of permission changes.
C
Best answer
Audit logging
Audit logging records user actions such as file access, modification, and permission changes. It provides a detailed trail that can be reviewed to identify the account responsible for altering permissions and the exact time of the change.
D
Distractor review
Host-based intrusion prevention system (HIPS)
HIPS monitors host activities to block suspicious behavior or attacks. It may log security events, but it is not designed to capture routine administrative permission changes; its primary focus is threat prevention.
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: Audit logging — Audit logging is the correct control because it records detailed information about user activities, including permission changes. By reviewing audit logs, the security team can identify the account that made the modification and the exact time it occurred. Data loss prevention (DLP) systems focus on detecting and preventing unauthorized data transfers, not on recording who changed permissions. Mandatory access control (MAC) is an access control model that enforces system-wide policies but does not inherently provide change tracking for individual actions. A host-based intrusion prevention system (HIPS) monitors for and blocks malicious activities but does not typically log routine administrative changes like permission modifications.
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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