- A
Store all backups on a shared file server so administrators can restore them quickly.
Why wrong: A shared file server is easy to reach but is also an attractive target for ransomware and unauthorized modification.
- B
Use encrypted, immutable backups with an offline or offsite copy and defined retention periods.
Encryption protects confidentiality, immutability resists tampering, and offline or offsite copies improve resilience against theft and ransomware.
- C
Keep only the most recent snapshot to reduce storage cost and simplify recovery.
Why wrong: A single snapshot limits recovery options and increases the chance that one bad event destroys the only usable restore point.
- D
Rely on RAID mirroring because it automatically creates a secure archival copy.
Why wrong: RAID improves availability for a live system, but it is not a backup and does not protect against logical compromise or theft.
Quick Answer
The correct choice is encrypted, immutable backups with an offline or offsite copy and defined retention periods. This design directly addresses ransomware protection by ensuring that backup data cannot be encrypted or altered by an attacker, while immutability also blocks insider tampering by preventing any modification or deletion of backup files before their retention period expires. An offline or offsite copy further safeguards against physical theft of the backup drive, satisfying the requirement for protection if a drive is stolen. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the 3-2-1 backup rule combined with modern defenses like write-once-read-many (WORM) storage and encryption. A common trap is choosing simple redundancy or encryption alone, forgetting that immutability is critical to stop ransomware from corrupting backups. Remember the mnemonic “EIO” for Encrypted, Immutable, Offline—if any one is missing, the backup is vulnerable.
SY0-701 Security Architecture Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of security architecture. 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.
A company is concerned about ransomware and insider tampering with backups. It wants daily restore points, monthly archives, and protection if a backup drive is stolen from the storage room. Which backup design is the best answer?
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
Use encrypted, immutable backups with an offline or offsite copy and defined retention periods.
Option B is correct because encrypted, immutable backups prevent ransomware from encrypting or modifying backup data, and an offline or offsite copy protects against physical theft of the backup drive. Defined retention periods satisfy the daily restore points and monthly archives requirement, while immutability ensures backup integrity even if an attacker gains access to the backup system.
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.
- ✗
Store all backups on a shared file server so administrators can restore them quickly.
Why it's wrong here
A shared file server is easy to reach but is also an attractive target for ransomware and unauthorized modification.
- ✓
Use encrypted, immutable backups with an offline or offsite copy and defined retention periods.
Why this is correct
Encryption protects confidentiality, immutability resists tampering, and offline or offsite copies improve resilience against theft and ransomware.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Keep only the most recent snapshot to reduce storage cost and simplify recovery.
Why it's wrong here
A single snapshot limits recovery options and increases the chance that one bad event destroys the only usable restore point.
- ✗
Rely on RAID mirroring because it automatically creates a secure archival copy.
Why it's wrong here
RAID improves availability for a live system, but it is not a backup and does not protect against logical compromise or theft.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse high-availability features like RAID with backup security, or assume that network-accessible storage is sufficient, failing to recognize that immutability and offline/offsite copies are essential for ransomware and theft protection.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Immutable backups are typically implemented using object lock (e.g., S3 Object Lock with governance or compliance mode) or write-once-read-many (WORM) storage, which prevents deletion or modification until a specified retention period expires. Offline copies, such as tape or air-gapped storage, physically isolate the backup from the network, eliminating the attack surface for ransomware propagation. Real-world scenarios like the 2021 Colonial Pipeline attack highlight that immutable, offline backups are critical for recovery when primary systems are encrypted.
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 analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SY0-701 question test?
Security Architecture — This question tests Security Architecture — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use encrypted, immutable backups with an offline or offsite copy and defined retention periods. — Option B is correct because encrypted, immutable backups prevent ransomware from encrypting or modifying backup data, and an offline or offsite copy protects against physical theft of the backup drive. Defined retention periods satisfy the daily restore points and monthly archives requirement, while immutability ensures backup integrity even if an attacker gains access to the backup system.
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
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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.
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