- A
Isolate the endpoint from the network to stop further communication and lateral movement.
Isolation is the fastest way to contain a compromised endpoint when the device is still active. It prevents additional command-and-control traffic, reduces the chance of lateral movement, and can be done without immediately shutting down the machine. This is the primary EDR containment action in a live incident.
- B
Collect an EDR triage package or memory-focused artifact before powering the device off.
A triage package preserves valuable live-response evidence such as process lists, persistence artifacts, network connections, and sometimes memory-related data. Capturing this information before power loss improves later investigation and scoping. It is the right complement to isolation when the system is still accessible.
- C
Delete the scheduled task immediately so the host returns to normal operation.
Why wrong: Deleting artifacts too early can destroy evidence and does not guarantee the malware is removed. It may also cause the attacker to react or trigger secondary payloads. Containment and collection should come before destructive cleanup.
- D
Reimage the workstation from the golden image as the first response.
Why wrong: Reimaging is a remediation step, but it is too early if the team still needs evidence and scope. It can wipe useful traces of execution, persistence, and command-and-control activity before they are preserved.
- E
Ignore the alert because the PowerShell binary is built into Windows and therefore safe.
Why wrong: Built-in tools are often abused by attackers, so the mere presence of PowerShell does not make the event benign. The suspicious execution chain and beaconing behavior require investigation and containment, not dismissal.
Quick Answer
The best two response actions are to isolate the endpoint from the network and collect an EDR triage package or memory-focused artifact before powering the device off. Isolation immediately stops the active HTTPS command-and-control communication and prevents lateral movement, which is critical when a suspicious PowerShell process spawned by a word processor creates a scheduled task named WinUpdateSvc and connects to a rare external domain—a classic malware infection chain. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of incident response priorities: containment first, then forensic preservation. A common trap is to immediately power off the device, which destroys volatile memory evidence; instead, you must collect a triage package first. Remember the mnemonic “Isolate, then Collect” to keep the sequence straight: cut the attacker’s access, then save the evidence.
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.
EDR reports that a workstation launched PowerShell from a word processor, created a scheduled task named WinUpdateSvc, and began making repeated HTTPS connections to a rare external domain. The user is still logged in to several cloud apps. Which two response actions are best to initiate from the EDR console? Select two.
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
Isolate the endpoint from the network to stop further communication and lateral movement.
Option A is correct because isolating the endpoint from the network immediately stops the active HTTPS command-and-control (C2) communication and prevents lateral movement to other systems. Given the suspicious chain (word processor spawning PowerShell, creating a scheduled task, and connecting to a rare external domain), this is a strong indicator of a malware infection or unauthorized remote access. Isolation preserves the forensic state while cutting off the attacker's access.
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.
- ✓
Isolate the endpoint from the network to stop further communication and lateral movement.
Why this is correct
Isolation is the fastest way to contain a compromised endpoint when the device is still active. It prevents additional command-and-control traffic, reduces the chance of lateral movement, and can be done without immediately shutting down the machine. This is the primary EDR containment action in a live incident.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Collect an EDR triage package or memory-focused artifact before powering the device off.
Why this is correct
A triage package preserves valuable live-response evidence such as process lists, persistence artifacts, network connections, and sometimes memory-related data. Capturing this information before power loss improves later investigation and scoping. It is the right complement to isolation when the system is still accessible.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Delete the scheduled task immediately so the host returns to normal operation.
Why it's wrong here
Deleting artifacts too early can destroy evidence and does not guarantee the malware is removed. It may also cause the attacker to react or trigger secondary payloads. Containment and collection should come before destructive cleanup.
- ✗
Reimage the workstation from the golden image as the first response.
Why it's wrong here
Reimaging is a remediation step, but it is too early if the team still needs evidence and scope. It can wipe useful traces of execution, persistence, and command-and-control activity before they are preserved.
- ✗
Ignore the alert because the PowerShell binary is built into Windows and therefore safe.
Why it's wrong here
Built-in tools are often abused by attackers, so the mere presence of PowerShell does not make the event benign. The suspicious execution chain and beaconing behavior require investigation and containment, not dismissal.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may think deleting the scheduled task (Option C) is sufficient to remediate, but the exam emphasizes that removing artifacts without addressing the root cause is ineffective, and that isolation and forensic collection are the correct first steps in incident response.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Reimaging is a remediation step, but it is too early if the team still needs evidence and scope. It can wipe useful traces of execution, persistence, and command-and-control activity before they are preserved.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
EDR isolation typically uses a host-based firewall rule or network access control (NAC) to block all traffic except to the EDR management server, preserving the ability to collect telemetry. The scheduled task named 'WinUpdateSvc' mimics a legitimate Windows service to evade casual inspection. The repeated HTTPS connections to a rare domain suggest a C2 channel using encrypted traffic, which bypasses simple signature-based detection but is flagged by behavioral analytics.
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 SOC analyst notices unusual lateral movement in the network at 2 AM. The IR playbook dictates: identify and contain (isolate the affected machine), then eradicate (remove the malware), then recover (restore from backup), then document. Skipping containment before eradication risks the attacker regaining access. Questions like this test the sequence and rationale of incident response phases.
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.
- →
Security Operations — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Security Operations practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All SY0-701 questions
1,152 questions across all exam domains
- →
Security+ SY0-701 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
SY0-701 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related SY0-701 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
General Security Concepts practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to General Security Concepts.
Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations.
Security Architecture practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security Architecture.
Security Operations practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security Operations.
Security Program Management and Oversight practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security Program Management and Oversight.
Security+ social engineering questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ social engineering questions.
Security+ cryptography practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ cryptography.
Security+ IAM questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ IAM questions.
Security+ risk management questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ risk management questions.
Security+ incident response questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ incident response questions.
Security+ malware questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ malware questions.
Security+ vulnerability management questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ vulnerability management questions.
Practice this exam
Start a free SY0-701 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
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: Isolate the endpoint from the network to stop further communication and lateral movement. — Option A is correct because isolating the endpoint from the network immediately stops the active HTTPS command-and-control (C2) communication and prevents lateral movement to other systems. Given the suspicious chain (word processor spawning PowerShell, creating a scheduled task, and connecting to a rare external domain), this is a strong indicator of a malware infection or unauthorized remote access. Isolation preserves the forensic state while cutting off the attacker's access.
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
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.