Quick Answer
The answer is disabling AutoRun and AutoPlay, blocking execution from removable media via Group Policy, and scanning all removable media with antivirus software upon insertion. These three controls form a layered defense against removable media malware prevention because they address the primary infection vectors: AutoRun and AutoPlay allow malicious code to execute the moment media is connected, while execution block prevents even manually launched executables from running, and an AV scan catches known threats before they interact with the system. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of defense-in-depth for physical media threats, often appearing as a multi-select question where a common trap is choosing “encrypting the media” or “enabling AutoRun for trusted devices” instead. Remember the mnemonic “D-E-S” for Disable, Execution block, Scan—if you disable autorun, block execution, and scan on insertion, you’ve closed the three main doors malware uses to enter via removable media.
SY0-701 Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigations. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
An organization wants to reduce the risk of malware infections from removable media. Which three of the following controls should be implemented? (Choose three.)
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
Disabling AutoRun and AutoPlay features
Disabling AutoRun and AutoPlay features prevents malicious code from executing automatically when removable media is inserted, which is a common infection vector. Using group policy to block execution from removable media stops any executable files from running, even if manually launched. Scanning all removable media with antivirus software upon insertion detects and quarantines known malware before it can interact with the system.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse data protection controls (like encryption) with execution prevention controls, or they assume that file system formatting (NTFS) provides security against malware execution.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
AutoRun relies on the autorun.inf file and the MountPoint2 registry key to automatically launch specified executables; disabling it via Group Policy (e.g., 'Turn off Autoplay' and 'Set the default behavior for AutoRun') prevents this. Group Policy Software Restriction Policies or AppLocker can use path rules to block execution from removable drives by denying 'Run' permissions on the %RemovableDrive% path. Antivirus on-access scanning uses real-time file system filters (e.g., minifilter drivers in Windows) to scan files upon creation or access, catching malware before it loads into memory.
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 developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
What to study next
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SY0-701 question test?
Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations — This question tests Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Disabling AutoRun and AutoPlay features — Disabling AutoRun and AutoPlay features prevents malicious code from executing automatically when removable media is inserted, which is a common infection vector. Using group policy to block execution from removable media stops any executable files from running, even if manually launched. Scanning all removable media with antivirus software upon insertion detects and quarantines known malware before it can interact with the 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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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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