- A
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.
- B
Uninstall the word processor from every workstation.
Why wrong: 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.
- C
Wait to see whether more alerts appear before responding.
Why wrong: Waiting can allow the attacker more time to move laterally or exfiltrate data. Suspicious PowerShell and rare-domain traffic warrant prompt containment.
- D
Send a notice to all users reminding them not to open attachments.
Why wrong: User awareness is useful, but it does not contain the active endpoint or stop the current malicious activity. Operational containment must happen first.
Quick Answer
The answer is to isolate the endpoint from the network using the EDR console. This is the best immediate containment action because it severs the outbound connection to the rare domain, cutting off potential command-and-control (C2) communication or data exfiltration, while the encoded PowerShell launched by a word processor indicates a malicious macro or exploit that must be contained locally. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of containment priorities within the incident response process, where isolating a single host via EDR is preferred over broader network shutdowns or immediate eradication. A common trap is to jump to deleting the PowerShell script or blocking the domain, but containment must come first to stop the active threat. Remember the mnemonic “ICE” for incident response: Isolate, Contain, then Eradicate.
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 shows encoded PowerShell launched by a word processor and an outbound connection to a rare domain. What is the best immediate containment action?
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 using the EDR console.
Isolating the endpoint from the network using the EDR console is the best immediate containment action because it stops the outbound connection to the rare domain, preventing potential command-and-control (C2) communication or data exfiltration. The encoded PowerShell launched by a word processor strongly suggests a malicious macro or exploit, and isolating the host contains the threat without disrupting the entire network. This aligns with the incident response priority of containment before eradication or recovery.
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 using the EDR console.
Why this is correct
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.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Uninstall the word processor from every workstation.
Why it's wrong here
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.
- ✗
Wait to see whether more alerts appear before responding.
Why it's wrong here
Waiting can allow the attacker more time to move laterally or exfiltrate data. Suspicious PowerShell and rare-domain traffic warrant prompt containment.
- ✗
Send a notice to all users reminding them not to open attachments.
Why it's wrong here
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 traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may choose a broad administrative action (like uninstalling software or sending user notices) instead of the precise, immediate technical containment step that stops the active threat at the network level.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
EDR isolation typically uses a network access control (NAC) or host-based firewall rule to block all traffic except to the EDR management server, effectively quarantining the endpoint. The encoded PowerShell command likely uses Base64 or similar encoding to obfuscate the payload, which is a common technique to bypass static detection and execute in-memory attacks. In real-world incidents, such as Emotet or Dridex, word processor macros launch encoded PowerShell to download additional malware, making rapid isolation critical to prevent ransomware deployment.
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 security team runs a vulnerability scan on a web application and discovers an unpatched SQL injection flaw. The team prioritises remediation by CVSS score — critical flaws are patched within 24 hours, high within 7 days. Questions like this test whether you understand vulnerability management processes, scanning tools, and remediation prioritisation.
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 using the EDR console. — Isolating the endpoint from the network using the EDR console is the best immediate containment action because it stops the outbound connection to the rare domain, preventing potential command-and-control (C2) communication or data exfiltration. The encoded PowerShell launched by a word processor strongly suggests a malicious macro or exploit, and isolating the host contains the threat without disrupting the entire network. This aligns with the incident response priority of containment before eradication or recovery.
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.