- A
Compare the current configuration against the approved baseline.
A baseline comparison directly shows whether the server still matches the secure standard that was originally approved. It is one of the clearest ways to identify configuration drift.
- B
Run a configuration compliance or hardening scan.
Automated compliance scanning checks the system for missing settings, enabled services, and other deviations from the expected build. It is a practical way to detect drift consistently.
- C
Restart the server and wait for users to report problems.
Why wrong: A reboot does not reveal whether the configuration matches the baseline. Waiting for user complaints is reactive and can allow problems to persist unnoticed.
- D
Increase the storage capacity on the server.
Why wrong: More storage may help with capacity, but it does not tell you whether the system configuration has drifted. It is unrelated to baseline verification.
- E
Change the desktop wallpaper to remind users of the policy.
Why wrong: A wallpaper reminder may support awareness, but it does not validate the server's configuration. It is not a technical drift-detection control.
Quick Answer
The answer is to run a configuration compliance or hardening scan, because this directly performs configuration drift detection by comparing the current system state against the approved baseline. This baseline comparison identifies any deviations from the hardened settings, such as those defined by CIS Benchmarks or DISA STIGs, making it the most reliable method to verify a server has not drifted after months of changes. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this concept tests your understanding of change management and security monitoring, often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must distinguish between proactive scanning and reactive log review. A common trap is confusing a vulnerability scan with a hardening scan—remember, vulnerability scans find weaknesses, while hardening scans check for drift from a known-good state. Memory tip: “Scan the plan, not the flaw” to recall that baseline comparison is about verifying compliance, not finding new threats.
SY0-701 Security Architecture Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of security architecture. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 security team wants to verify that a server has not drifted from its approved hardened configuration after several months of changes. Which two actions help most? 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
Compare the current configuration against the approved baseline.
Comparing the current configuration against the approved baseline (Option A) is a direct method to identify any deviations from the hardened state. This process, often performed manually or with scripts, checks each setting against the known-good values defined in the baseline document, such as those from CIS Benchmarks or DISA STIGs. It is the most straightforward way to detect drift after months of changes.
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.
- ✓
Compare the current configuration against the approved baseline.
Why this is correct
A baseline comparison directly shows whether the server still matches the secure standard that was originally approved. It is one of the clearest ways to identify configuration drift.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Run a configuration compliance or hardening scan.
Why this is correct
Automated compliance scanning checks the system for missing settings, enabled services, and other deviations from the expected build. It is a practical way to detect drift consistently.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Restart the server and wait for users to report problems.
Why it's wrong here
A reboot does not reveal whether the configuration matches the baseline. Waiting for user complaints is reactive and can allow problems to persist unnoticed.
- ✗
Increase the storage capacity on the server.
Why it's wrong here
More storage may help with capacity, but it does not tell you whether the system configuration has drifted. It is unrelated to baseline verification.
- ✗
Change the desktop wallpaper to remind users of the policy.
Why it's wrong here
A wallpaper reminder may support awareness, but it does not validate the server's configuration. It is not a technical drift-detection control.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may think restarting a server (Option C) is a valid troubleshooting or verification step, confusing operational recovery with security compliance validation, which requires direct comparison against a baseline.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Configuration compliance scanning (Option B) automates the comparison process using tools like OpenSCAP, Microsoft Security Compliance Toolkit, or commercial scanners that parse the current registry, file permissions, and service states against a defined policy. These tools generate detailed reports showing pass/fail status for each rule, often referencing specific CCE (Common Configuration Enumeration) identifiers. In a real-world scenario, a server might have had its TLS cipher suite weakened by a patch without breaking functionality, which only a compliance scan would catch.
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
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SY0-701 question test?
Security Architecture — This question tests Security Architecture — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Compare the current configuration against the approved baseline. — Comparing the current configuration against the approved baseline (Option A) is a direct method to identify any deviations from the hardened state. This process, often performed manually or with scripts, checks each setting against the known-good values defined in the baseline document, such as those from CIS Benchmarks or DISA STIGs. It is the most straightforward way to detect drift after months of changes.
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
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