- A
Run a quick format and remove the asset tags after the files are deleted.
Why wrong: A quick format does not reliably prevent recovery of data from SSDs, and removing asset tags does not sanitize the storage media. This leaves risk behind.
- B
Perform a cryptographic erase by destroying the encryption keys and document the sanitization process.
For encrypted SSDs, destroying the encryption keys is an effective and practical sanitization method because the data becomes unreadable even if the drive is later examined. This approach matches the media type and the fact that full-disk encryption was used. Proper documentation also supports accountability and compliance. It is stronger than merely deleting files or performing a superficial format, which may leave recoverable data behind.
- C
Degauss the SSDs and then store them in the disposal room until pickup.
Why wrong: Degaussing is effective for some magnetic media, but it is not a reliable sanitization method for SSDs. It also does not replace proper disposal documentation.
- D
Overwrite the drives once with random data and consider the devices ready for resale.
Why wrong: A single overwrite is not the preferred sanitization method for SSDs, where wear leveling can complicate erasure. It also ignores the need for documented disposal controls.
Quick Answer
The answer is to perform a cryptographic erase by destroying the encryption keys and documenting the process. This is correct because full-disk encryption (FDE) protects data at rest by encrypting the entire SSD; without the decryption keys, the ciphertext is mathematically unrecoverable, making a crypto-scrub faster and more reliable than traditional overwriting methods, which can damage SSDs. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this concept tests your understanding of NIST SP 800-88 sanitization standards and the distinction between clearing, purging, and destroying media—a common trap is choosing a multi-pass overwrite, which is ineffective on SSDs due to wear leveling and reserved blocks. Remember the mnemonic: “Crypto Erase, No Trace”—if the drive was encrypted, just shred the keys to sanitize it for disposal.
SY0-701 Security Operations Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of security operations. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
An organization is retiring a batch of laptops with SSDs. All of the systems used full-disk encryption and stored sensitive internal documents. What is the best action before the devices leave the company?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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
Perform a cryptographic erase by destroying the encryption keys and document the sanitization process.
Option B is correct because a cryptographic erase (also known as a crypto-scrub) renders the encrypted data permanently inaccessible by securely destroying the encryption keys. Since the SSDs used full-disk encryption (FDE), the data is already encrypted at rest, and without the keys, the ciphertext is effectively unrecoverable. This method is fast, reliable, and compliant with sanitization standards like NIST SP 800-88, making it the best action before the devices leave the organization.
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.
- ✗
Run a quick format and remove the asset tags after the files are deleted.
Why it's wrong here
A quick format does not reliably prevent recovery of data from SSDs, and removing asset tags does not sanitize the storage media. This leaves risk behind.
- ✓
Perform a cryptographic erase by destroying the encryption keys and document the sanitization process.
Why this is correct
For encrypted SSDs, destroying the encryption keys is an effective and practical sanitization method because the data becomes unreadable even if the drive is later examined. This approach matches the media type and the fact that full-disk encryption was used. Proper documentation also supports accountability and compliance. It is stronger than merely deleting files or performing a superficial format, which may leave recoverable data behind.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Degauss the SSDs and then store them in the disposal room until pickup.
Why it's wrong here
Degaussing is effective for some magnetic media, but it is not a reliable sanitization method for SSDs. It also does not replace proper disposal documentation.
- ✗
Overwrite the drives once with random data and consider the devices ready for resale.
Why it's wrong here
A single overwrite is not the preferred sanitization method for SSDs, where wear leveling can complicate erasure. It also ignores the need for documented disposal controls.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often choose degaussing (Option C) for SSDs, mistakenly applying a technique that works only for magnetic media like HDDs, while ignoring that cryptographic erase is the proper and efficient method for encrypted solid-state drives.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Cryptographic erase works by deleting the media encryption key (MEK) stored in the SSD's internal secure memory, often protected by a TPM or hardware security module. Without the MEK, the encrypted data on the NAND flash becomes random noise, and even if the drive is later analyzed, the ciphertext cannot be decrypted. This method is endorsed by NIST SP 800-88 Rev. 1 as a 'Clear' or 'Purge' technique for FDE-capable drives, and it avoids the wear-leveling issues that plague traditional overwrite methods on SSDs.
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 developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SY0-701 question test?
Security Operations — This question tests Security Operations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Perform a cryptographic erase by destroying the encryption keys and document the sanitization process. — Option B is correct because a cryptographic erase (also known as a crypto-scrub) renders the encrypted data permanently inaccessible by securely destroying the encryption keys. Since the SSDs used full-disk encryption (FDE), the data is already encrypted at rest, and without the keys, the ciphertext is effectively unrecoverable. This method is fast, reliable, and compliant with sanitization standards like NIST SP 800-88, making it the best action before the devices leave the organization.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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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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