EDR shows encoded PowerShell launched by a word processor and an outbound connection to a rare domain. What is the best immediate containment action?
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.
Best answer
Isolate the endpoint from the network using the EDR console.
Network isolation through EDR quickly limits attacker access and prevents further command-and-control communication. It also preserves the host for investigation while stopping spread to other systems. This is a standard first containment step when behavior strongly suggests active compromise.
Distractor review
Uninstall the word processor from every workstation.
Removing the application from all systems is too broad and does not immediately contain the affected host. The priority is to stop the active suspicious endpoint.
Distractor review
Wait to see whether more alerts appear before responding.
Waiting can allow the attacker more time to move laterally or exfiltrate data. Suspicious PowerShell and rare-domain traffic warrant prompt containment.
Distractor review
Send a notice to all users reminding them not to open attachments.
User awareness is useful, but it does not contain the active endpoint or stop the current malicious activity. Operational containment must happen first.
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: Isolate the endpoint from the network using the EDR console. — When EDR identifies suspicious script execution and unusual outbound traffic, the fastest safe action is to isolate the endpoint. That breaks the attacker’s connection while preserving the host for analysis and reduces the chance of lateral movement or data loss. EDR isolation is preferred because it is fast, targeted, and reversible once the incident is understood and handled properly. Why others are wrong: Uninstalling software across the fleet is too disruptive and does not immediately stop the compromised host. Waiting for more alerts gives the attacker time to do more damage. A broad awareness notice may help prevention later, but it does not contain the live incident already in progress.
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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