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← SY0-701
Full test
hardmultiple choiceObjective-mapped

Exhibit

Backup job configuration:
algorithm=AES-256-GCM
key_file=/opt/backup/key.bin
rotation=disabled
same_key_for_all_sites=true
backup_media copied to an offsite vault each night

Based on the exhibit, what should be implemented to reduce the blast radius if a backup server is compromised later?

Backup job configuration: algorithm=AES-256-GCM key_file=/opt/backup/key.bin rotation=disabled same_key_for_all_sites=true backup_media copied to an offsite vault each night

Question 1hardmultiple choice
Full question →

Based on the exhibit, what should be implemented to reduce the blast radius if a backup server is compromised later?

Backup job configuration: algorithm=AES-256-GCM key_file=/opt/backup/key.bin rotation=disabled same_key_for_all_sites=true backup_media copied to an offsite vault each night

Full question →

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

Best answer

Use envelope encryption with unique data encryption keys protected by a KMS-managed key encryption key.

Envelope encryption limits exposure because each backup can use a distinct data key protected by a stronger key hierarchy.

B

Distractor review

Store the same key in a password-protected ZIP archive on the backup server.

That still keeps a single reusable secret on the same system and does not reduce compromise impact meaningfully.

C

Distractor review

Replace AES with SHA-256 so the files cannot be opened directly.

SHA-256 is a hash function, not a reversible encryption method for protecting backup contents.

D

Distractor review

Keep one key forever and increase the backup frequency.

More backups do not reduce key exposure, and a permanent key increases long-term risk.

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

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?

Authentication checks who the user is.

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: Use envelope encryption with unique data encryption keys protected by a KMS-managed key encryption key. — The configuration shows one long-lived AES key stored locally and reused everywhere. If the backup server is compromised, that single key could expose many archives. Envelope encryption is the best fix because each backup uses a data encryption key, while a KMS-managed key encryption key protects those data keys centrally. This reduces blast radius and improves key control without exposing the master secret on the backup server. It is the most secure and scalable option. Why others are wrong: Putting the same key in a ZIP file keeps the secret in one place and does not change the fundamental single-point-of-failure problem. SHA-256 is a hashing algorithm, so it cannot decrypt encrypted backups or serve as a substitute for confidentiality. Keeping one key forever and increasing backup frequency does nothing to protect the encryption key; it only increases the amount of data protected by a weak design. The best answer must improve key hierarchy and separation.

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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