- A
Compensating control, because the temporary network restriction offsets the delayed patch.
The isolation reduces exposure while the system remains unpatched, so it compensates for the known weakness.
- B
Directive control, because written approval tells administrators what must happen before changes are allowed.
A required approval workflow directs behavior and establishes an administrative rule for exceptions.
- C
Detective control, because a rule set later identifies malicious traffic.
Why wrong: The scenario focuses on reducing risk before exploitation, not on detecting an attack after it happens.
- D
Corrective control, because the control repairs the vulnerable software itself.
Why wrong: Nothing in the scenario fixes the server software; the patch is delayed, so the weakness remains.
- E
Deterrent control, because a warning banner discourages misuse of the server.
Why wrong: A warning banner could discourage users, but the main actions are isolation and approval, not discouragement.
Quick Answer
The answer is directive control and compensating control. The written approval requirement is a directive control because it explicitly instructs administrators on the mandatory procedure—obtaining written authorization—before any firewall exception can be made, guiding behavior through a policy. Meanwhile, isolating the legacy server to the payroll subnet is a compensating control, as it provides an alternative security measure to mitigate the risk of the unpatched vulnerability, temporarily reducing exposure until the critical patch can be applied. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between control types in a real-world trade-off, where a business constraint forces a workaround. A common trap is confusing compensating controls with preventive controls; remember that compensating controls are temporary substitutes, not permanent solutions. Memory tip: “Directive tells you what to do, compensating fills the gap until the fix is through.”
SY0-701 General Security Concepts Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of general security concepts. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A legacy payroll server has a critical patch available, but the business cannot reboot it for 45 days. The team isolates the server to only the payroll application subnet and requires written approval before any temporary firewall exception is made. Which two control types are present? Select two.
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
Compensating control, because the temporary network restriction offsets the delayed patch.
Option A is correct because isolating the server to the payroll subnet is a compensating control that reduces risk by restricting network access, offsetting the inability to apply the critical patch immediately. This temporary measure provides an alternative security layer until the patch can be installed and the server rebooted.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Compensating control, because the temporary network restriction offsets the delayed patch.
Why this is correct
The isolation reduces exposure while the system remains unpatched, so it compensates for the known weakness.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Directive control, because written approval tells administrators what must happen before changes are allowed.
Why this is correct
A required approval workflow directs behavior and establishes an administrative rule for exceptions.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Detective control, because a rule set later identifies malicious traffic.
Why it's wrong here
The scenario focuses on reducing risk before exploitation, not on detecting an attack after it happens.
- ✗
Corrective control, because the control repairs the vulnerable software itself.
Why it's wrong here
Nothing in the scenario fixes the server software; the patch is delayed, so the weakness remains.
- ✗
Deterrent control, because a warning banner discourages misuse of the server.
Why it's wrong here
A warning banner could discourage users, but the main actions are isolation and approval, not discouragement.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is confusing compensating controls with corrective controls, as candidates may mistakenly think isolating the server 'corrects' the vulnerability, but corrective controls actually fix the root cause (e.g., applying the patch), while compensating controls provide an alternative safeguard.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
The scenario focuses on reducing risk before exploitation, not on detecting an attack after it happens.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Compensating controls are often used when a primary security control (like patching) cannot be implemented due to operational constraints. In this case, network segmentation via VLANs or firewall rules restricts traffic to only the payroll subnet, reducing the attack surface. The written approval requirement is a directive control that enforces policy by mandating formal authorization before any firewall exception, ensuring accountability and auditability.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security team runs a vulnerability scan on a web application and discovers an unpatched SQL injection flaw. The team prioritises remediation by CVSS score — critical flaws are patched within 24 hours, high within 7 days. Questions like this test whether you understand vulnerability management processes, scanning tools, and remediation prioritisation.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SY0-701 question test?
General Security Concepts — This question tests General Security Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Compensating control, because the temporary network restriction offsets the delayed patch. — Option A is correct because isolating the server to the payroll subnet is a compensating control that reduces risk by restricting network access, offsetting the inability to apply the critical patch immediately. This temporary measure provides an alternative security layer until the patch can be installed and the server rebooted.
What should I do if I get this SY0-701 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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.
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