SY0-701 Security Architecture Practice Question
Before applying a major patch to a virtual machine, the administrator wants a quick way to return the VM to its exact pre-change state if the patch fails. What should the administrator create?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates confuse a snapshot with a full backup, but the question emphasizes 'quick way to return to exact pre-change state,' which is the defining characteristic of a snapshot, not a backup.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
A snapshot of the virtual machine
A snapshot captures the exact state of the virtual machine (disk, memory, and power state) at a point in time, allowing the administrator to revert instantly if the patch fails. This is the fastest and most storage-efficient method for a quick rollback compared to a full backup, which is slower and more resource-intensive.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
A full backup to removable media
Why it's wrong here
A full backup to removable media captures state but restoring it is slow, requiring media retrieval and full disk write-back, so it fails the quick-return requirement. Full backups suit long-term retention or disaster recovery, whereas a hypervisor snapshot restores the VM in seconds.
- ✓
A snapshot of the virtual machine
Why this is correct
A snapshot captures the VM's exact disk and memory state at a point in time, allowing a fast rollback to the precise pre-patch configuration if the patch fails. Backups restore data but not the same immediate, complete state.
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A separate VLAN for the virtual machine
Why it's wrong here
A separate VLAN segments network traffic and provides no mechanism to capture or revert VM disk and memory state. VLANs would be correct when isolating a workload's broadcast domain or enforcing segmentation, not when a fast rollback point before patching is needed.
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A digital certificate for the patch server
Why it's wrong here
A digital certificate authenticates the patch server's identity for transport security; it stores no VM state and cannot restore disk contents. Certificates would be correct when validating signed patch packages or enabling TLS between the update server and the host, not for rollback.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This SY0-701 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SY0-701 exam.