Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
Exhibit
VLAN and ACL summary: - VLAN 10 User PCs: access to file and print services - VLAN 30 Backup network: access to BackupSrv only - Current rule added last week: permit ip VLAN10 any -> VLAN30 any - BackupSrv -> VLAN10 tcp/445 allowed for restore jobs Concern: ransomware on a user PC could now reach backup repositories.
Based on the exhibit, which change best reduces the blast radius if a user workstation is compromised?
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
Add more allow rules from VLAN 10 to VLAN 30 for SMB and RDP so restore jobs stay flexible.
Additional allow rules increase the attack path from user systems into the backup network.
B
Distractor review
Move the backup server into the user VLAN to avoid routing and ACL complexity.
Putting backups in the same zone as users removes separation and makes compromise easier to spread.
C
Best answer
Remove direct user access to the backup VLAN and allow only the dedicated backup path.
Limiting backup access to dedicated systems preserves segmentation and protects recovery data from workstation compromise.
D
Distractor review
Increase the DHCP lease time so backup jobs run less often during business hours.
DHCP timing has no meaningful effect on lateral movement or the security of backup repositories.
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: Remove direct user access to the backup VLAN and allow only the dedicated backup path. — The best answer is to remove direct user access to the backup VLAN and keep backup traffic on a dedicated path. Backup repositories should be tightly isolated because they are a high-value target during ransomware or destructive attacks. Allowing user PCs to reach the backup network creates a direct route for malware to encrypt or delete recovery data. Good segmentation reduces blast radius and helps preserve the organization’s ability to restore systems after an incident. Why others are wrong: Option A increases exposure by adding more pathways into the backup segment. Option B collapses the isolation boundary and puts the backup environment at the same risk level as user endpoints. Option D is unrelated to network containment and does not reduce attacker movement.
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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