Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
Exhibit
EDR timeline from a finance laptop: 08:14:02 winword.exe launched powershell.exe 08:14:03 powershell.exe executed with arguments: -WindowStyle Hidden -NoProfile -EncodedCommand SQBFAFgAKAAuLi4= 08:14:05 No new executable written to disk 08:14:08 Outbound HTTPS connection to 198.51.100.77 over port 443 08:14:11 User reports a document opened normally, but the machine began showing unusual network activity
Based on the exhibit, what type of malware behavior is most likely occurring?
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
Ransomware, because the endpoint made an outbound connection after opening a document.
Ransomware usually shows file encryption, ransom notes, or mass file renaming. Those symptoms are not present here, so the evidence does not point to encryption-based extortion.
B
Best answer
Fileless attack, because PowerShell was launched in memory with no new payload written to disk.
This is a fileless attack because the malicious activity relies on script execution rather than a traditional dropped executable. The encoded PowerShell command, hidden execution, and absence of a new file on disk strongly indicate memory-based or script-based malware behavior that can evade basic file scanning.
C
Distractor review
Spyware, because the laptop made an encrypted outbound connection.
Spyware focuses on covert information collection, but the key evidence here is how the code executed. The exhibit does not show credential theft, browser monitoring, or keylogging artifacts that would clearly support spyware.
D
Distractor review
Worm activity, because the laptop communicated with an external IP address.
A worm is typically characterized by self-replication and spreading to other systems. The exhibit shows script execution from a document, but it does not show lateral spread or replication behavior.
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.
Related practice questions
Related SY0-701 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Security+ social engineering questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ social engineering questions.
Security+ cryptography practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ cryptography.
Security+ IAM questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ IAM questions.
Security+ risk management questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ risk management questions.
Security+ incident response questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ incident response questions.
Security+ malware questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ malware questions.
Security+ vulnerability management questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ vulnerability management questions.
Security+ security operations questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ security operations questions.
Security+ zero trust questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ zero trust questions.
Security+ authentication factors questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ authentication factors questions.
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: Fileless attack, because PowerShell was launched in memory with no new payload written to disk. — The best answer is fileless attack. The EDR output shows Word launching PowerShell with hidden, no-profile, encoded arguments, and no new executable appears on disk. Those are strong signs of malicious code executing through trusted scripting tools instead of a conventional malware file. This approach is common because it can reduce file-based detection and blend in with administrative activity. Why others are wrong: Ransomware would usually produce encryption symptoms, ransom notes, or inaccessible files. Spyware is about covert data collection, but the exhibit emphasizes execution technique rather than exfiltration artifacts. Worms spread across systems and replicate, which is not shown here. The defining clue is script-based execution without a dropped binary, which best fits a fileless attack.
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
Loading comments…
Sign in to join the discussion.