Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
During triage, you see a legitimate browser process spawning powershell.exe with an encoded command, followed by an outbound connection to a newly registered domain. No new executable is written to disk. Which malware characteristic best fits this behavior?
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
Fileless malware that relies on scripting and memory-resident execution.
This pattern matches malware that abuses trusted processes and scripts instead of dropping a traditional executable file. Browser-to-PowerShell chaining, encoded commands, and memory-resident activity are common indicators. The lack of a new file on disk does not mean the endpoint is clean; it often means the attacker is trying to evade traditional file-based detection.
B
Distractor review
A macro virus that only runs when a document is opened.
Macros can initiate malicious activity, but the observed browser and PowerShell chain points to a broader fileless execution pattern.
C
Distractor review
A boot sector virus that persists by altering startup code.
Boot sector malware targets disk boot areas, not browser-initiated scripts or outbound web connections.
D
Distractor review
A logic bomb that activates only when a specific date or event is reached.
Logic bombs are time- or condition-triggered, but they do not explain the observed process injection and command execution pattern.
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: Fileless malware that relies on scripting and memory-resident execution. — Fileless malware is the best fit because the attacker is using legitimate processes and scripting to execute malicious actions without writing a new executable to disk. PowerShell with an encoded command is a classic sign of malicious automation, and the browser-to-script chain helps hide the activity inside normal-looking behavior. This technique often reduces file-based detection success while still enabling command execution, persistence, or remote control. Why others are wrong: A macro virus requires a document-driven trigger and does not specifically explain browser-spawned PowerShell. A boot sector virus attacks startup code and would not present as script-based web activity. A logic bomb depends on a timed or conditional trigger and does not match the immediate, process-chaining behavior seen in the endpoint telemetry.
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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