- A
Perform a full factory reset remotely as soon as any device is reported lost.
Why wrong: A factory reset removes personal data too, which is too disruptive for a BYOD-style separation requirement.
- B
Use selective wipe through a mobile device management platform.
Selective wipe removes managed corporate content while preserving the user's personal data on the same device.
- C
Disable password complexity so the user can regain access more easily after replacement.
Why wrong: Weakening authentication does not address loss response or data separation on the device.
- D
Install a VPN profile and assume corporate data is safe if the network traffic is encrypted.
Why wrong: VPN encryption protects traffic in transit, but it does not remove data already stored on a lost device.
Quick Answer
The answer is to use a selective wipe through a mobile device management (MDM) platform. This control is correct because MDM leverages management APIs, such as Android Enterprise Work Profile or iOS Managed Open In, to surgically remove only corporate apps, accounts, and data from a lost or stolen smartphone while preserving the employee’s personal photos and contacts. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of mobile device deployment and data protection controls, often appearing in questions about BYOD versus COPE policies. A common trap is confusing selective wipe with a full wipe, which would erase everything on the device, violating privacy requirements. Remember the memory tip: “Selective wipe keeps the selfie, kills the spreadsheet”—it targets only the corporate container, leaving personal content untouched.
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.
Sales representatives use company-managed smartphones for email, CRM, and document access. If a phone is lost, IT must remove only the corporate apps and work data without erasing the employee's personal photos and contacts. Which control should be used?
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 selective wipe through a mobile device management platform.
Option B is correct because Mobile Device Management (MDM) platforms support selective wipe, which uses management APIs (e.g., Android Enterprise Work Profile or iOS Managed Open In) to remove only corporate apps, accounts, and data while leaving personal content intact. This satisfies the requirement to protect corporate data without infringing on the employee's personal privacy.
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.
- ✗
Perform a full factory reset remotely as soon as any device is reported lost.
Why it's wrong here
A factory reset removes personal data too, which is too disruptive for a BYOD-style separation requirement.
- ✓
Use selective wipe through a mobile device management platform.
Why this is correct
Selective wipe removes managed corporate content while preserving the user's personal data on the same device.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Disable password complexity so the user can regain access more easily after replacement.
Why it's wrong here
Weakening authentication does not address loss response or data separation on the device.
- ✗
Install a VPN profile and assume corporate data is safe if the network traffic is encrypted.
Why it's wrong here
VPN encryption protects traffic in transit, but it does not remove data already stored on a lost device.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse full factory reset (option A) with selective wipe, assuming any remote wipe will suffice, but the exam specifically tests the distinction between wiping all data versus only corporate-managed data.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Selective wipe leverages platform-specific containerization, such as Android Work Profile (managed via Device Policy Controller) or iOS Managed Open In and native MDM commands (e.g., 'Remove Managed App' or 'AccountRemovalType'). In real-world scenarios, if a device is lost but later recovered, selective wipe avoids the user needing to reconfigure personal settings, reducing friction and support costs.
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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
Security Architecture — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Security Architecture 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 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 selective wipe through a mobile device management platform. — Option B is correct because Mobile Device Management (MDM) platforms support selective wipe, which uses management APIs (e.g., Android Enterprise Work Profile or iOS Managed Open In) to remove only corporate apps, accounts, and data while leaving personal content intact. This satisfies the requirement to protect corporate data without infringing on the employee's personal privacy.
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.
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.