During testing, entering ' OR '1'='1 into a login field returns all user records instead of rejecting the input. What is the best fix to address this flaw?
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.
Distractor review
Add client-side JavaScript validation to block quote characters
Client-side checks are easy to bypass and do not stop malicious input reaching the server.
Best answer
Use parameterized queries or prepared statements for database access
Parameterized queries separate code from data, which prevents SQL injection even when attackers supply special characters.
Distractor review
Store passwords in a stronger hash format
Better password storage is good practice, but it does not fix query construction that allows injection.
Distractor review
Change the login page to HTTPS
TLS protects data in transit, but it does not prevent the application from building unsafe SQL statements.
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: Use parameterized queries or prepared statements for database access — Parameterized queries or prepared statements are the best fix because they separate SQL logic from user-supplied input. In this scenario, the application is treating input as executable query content, which allows an attacker to alter the database query. Proper query parameterization removes that ambiguity and directly addresses the injection weakness instead of trying to filter individual characters. Why others are wrong: Client-side validation is bypassable and cannot be trusted as the primary defense. Stronger password hashing helps protect stored credentials, but it does not stop query manipulation. HTTPS is important for confidentiality, but the flaw occurs inside the application after the request is received.
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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