Question 1easymulti select
Full question →easymulti selectObjective-mapped
A system administrator is creating a secure baseline for a new Linux application server. Which two actions are appropriate hardening steps? Select two.
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
Best answer
Disable services that the server does not need to perform its job.
Turning off unnecessary services reduces the number of programs that could be exploited. A hardened baseline should keep only the functions required for the server's role.
B
Best answer
Close unused listening ports with the host firewall or service configuration.
Unused open ports create unnecessary exposure to scanning and attack. Closing them is a basic hardening step because it reduces the server's attack surface.
C
Distractor review
Install extra administrative tools on the server for convenience.
Extra tools may be useful to an administrator, but they also add software that must be maintained and secured. Hardening focuses on minimizing unnecessary components.
D
Distractor review
Enable passwordless remote shell access for faster troubleshooting.
Passwordless access removes an authentication check and increases the risk of unauthorized access. Convenience should not override secure access controls on a server baseline.
E
Distractor review
Leave sample accounts and default demo content in place for testing.
Sample accounts and default content are common attack targets and should be removed or disabled in production. They do not belong in a secure baseline.
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: Disable services that the server does not need to perform its job. — A secure baseline reduces attack surface by keeping only the services, ports, and features that the server truly needs. Disabling unneeded services and closing unused ports are both core hardening actions. These steps help prevent accidental exposure, lower the chance of exploitation, and make the server easier to manage consistently over time. Why others are wrong: Extra tools, passwordless access, and sample accounts all add unnecessary risk to a production server. They either expand the software footprint or remove important security checks. A secure baseline should remove what is not needed, not leave convenience features in place.
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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