Question 1hardmultiple choice
Full question →hardmultiple choiceObjective-mapped
Exhibit
Backup job design - Generate a random AES key to encrypt 8 TB of archive data - Encrypt the AES key with the backup server’s public key - Store the encrypted AES key alongside the archive - Secondary site must restore the data if the primary backup server is unavailable - Current design stores the corresponding private key only on the primary server
Based on the exhibit, which key management improvement best preserves recoverability if the primary backup server is lost?
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
Store the private key on the same backup server so recovery is faster.
Putting the private key on the same server creates a single point of failure and weakens key protection. If the server is lost, compromised, or destroyed, the organization may also lose the ability to decrypt the backup key material.
B
Distractor review
Replace AES with hashing so the archive no longer needs a key.
Hashing is one-way and cannot be used to restore encrypted backup data. It is useful for integrity checks, not for decrypting archives. This suggestion would eliminate recoverability rather than improve it.
C
Best answer
Keep the private key in an HSM or secure escrow with tested recovery procedures.
The private key must be protected separately from the primary backup server so the encrypted AES key can still be recovered if the server is lost. An HSM or secure escrow improves key protection while preserving recoverability, especially when paired with tested restoration procedures and restricted access controls.
D
Distractor review
Send the private key to backup operators by email so they can restore data quickly.
Emailing the private key exposes it to interception, forwarding, and unauthorized access. That undermines key confidentiality and creates unnecessary risk. Recovery should be possible without distributing the private key broadly or insecurely.
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: Keep the private key in an HSM or secure escrow with tested recovery procedures. — The best improvement is to keep the private key in an HSM or secure escrow with tested recovery procedures. The exhibit shows the AES data key is wrapped with the backup server’s public key, so recovery depends on the matching private key. If the private key exists only on the primary server, a loss event could make the backups unusable. Secure escrow preserves both protection and recoverability. Why others are wrong: Storing the private key on the same server creates a dangerous single point of failure. Hashing cannot replace encryption because it is not reversible. Emailing the key would expose sensitive material to unauthorized parties and is not an acceptable recovery practice. The correct answer balances confidentiality of the key with the organization’s need to restore encrypted backups 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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