Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
During an incident, a server administrator needs elevated access to production logs for exactly two hours after manager approval. The organization does not want standing privileged accounts. Which solution is the best fit?
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
Distractor review
Add the administrator to a permanent domain admin group so access is always available.
Permanent privileged membership increases exposure and does not satisfy the need for temporary access only.
B
Best answer
Use just-in-time privileged access through a privileged access management workflow.
Just-in-time access is ideal when elevation should be temporary, approved, and tightly controlled. A privileged access management workflow can grant the needed permissions for a limited window, automatically revoke them when time expires, and preserve logs for accountability. This reduces the attack surface compared with always-on admin rights while still letting the team respond quickly during an incident.
C
Distractor review
Create a shared administrator account for the incident team and change the password afterward.
Shared accounts weaken accountability because actions are not tied to one person, and post-incident password changes do not remove the tracking problem.
D
Distractor review
Grant access by sending the administrator a VPN profile with broader network reach.
VPN access changes network reach, but it does not specifically control temporary privilege elevation on the production logs.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
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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?
Authentication checks who the user is.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use just-in-time privileged access through a privileged access management workflow. — Just-in-time privileged access through a PAM process is the best answer because it grants elevated rights only when needed and only for the approved period. That approach supports least privilege, reduces standing administrative exposure, and preserves accountability through approval records and session logging. It is especially useful during incidents when responders need speed without leaving highly privileged access permanently enabled. Why others are wrong: Permanent admin membership is risky because it leaves excessive privilege in place after the incident. A shared admin account blocks accountability and makes it harder to investigate activity later. A VPN profile might help with connectivity, but it does not solve the core problem of time-limited privilege escalation. The scenario specifically calls for temporary elevated access with approval, which is exactly what JIT provides.
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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