- A
Implementing full disk encryption on laptops: Defense in depth
Full disk encryption adds a layer of protection, demonstrating defense in depth by securing data at rest.
- B
Requiring multi-factor authentication for system administration: Accountability
Why wrong: Incorrect — MFA enforces least privilege by requiring specific authentication, not accountability.
- C
Segmenting networks for different departments: Separation of duties
Network segmentation restricts access based on roles, supporting separation of duties.
- D
Enabling comprehensive logging and monitoring: Least privilege
Why wrong: Incorrect — logging and monitoring ensure accountability, not least privilege.
- E
Deploying both an IDS and a firewall: Layered security
Combining IDS with firewalls provides multiple layers of defense, demonstrating layered security.
- F
Disabling unnecessary services and ports: Least privilege
Why wrong: Incorrect — disabling unnecessary services reduces the attack surface, not least privilege.
SY0-701 Defense in depth Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of general security concepts. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. A key principle to apply: defense in depth. 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.
Match each scenario from a security design review to the principle it best demonstrates.
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
Implementing full disk encryption on laptops: Defense in depth
The correct matches are: full disk encryption demonstrates defense in depth (multiple layers of protection); network segmentation demonstrates separation of duties (dividing responsibilities); and deploying both IDS and firewall demonstrates layered security (overlapping controls). Multi-factor authentication is actually a form of defense in depth or layered security, not accountability; comprehensive logging and monitoring is the key to accountability, not least privilege; and disabling unnecessary services is a classic example of least privilege.
Key principle: Defense in depth
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Implementing full disk encryption on laptops: Defense in depth
Why this is correct
Full disk encryption adds a layer of protection, demonstrating defense in depth by securing data at rest.
Related concept
Defense in depth
- ✗
Requiring multi-factor authentication for system administration: Accountability
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect — MFA enforces least privilege by requiring specific authentication, not accountability.
- ✓
Segmenting networks for different departments: Separation of duties
Why this is correct
Network segmentation restricts access based on roles, supporting separation of duties.
Related concept
Defense in depth
- ✗
Enabling comprehensive logging and monitoring: Least privilege
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect — logging and monitoring ensure accountability, not least privilege.
- ✓
Deploying both an IDS and a firewall: Layered security
Why this is correct
Combining IDS with firewalls provides multiple layers of defense, demonstrating layered security.
Related concept
Defense in depth
- ✗
Disabling unnecessary services and ports: Least privilege
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect — disabling unnecessary services reduces the attack surface, not least privilege.
Common exam traps
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.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Treat this as a scenario question. Identify the problem, the constraint, and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Defense in depth
- Separation of duties
- Layered security
- Least privilege
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
Defense in depth
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review defense in depth, then practise related SY0-701 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SY0-701 question test?
General Security Concepts — This question tests General Security Concepts — Defense in depth.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Implementing full disk encryption on laptops: Defense in depth — The correct matches are: full disk encryption demonstrates defense in depth (multiple layers of protection); network segmentation demonstrates separation of duties (dividing responsibilities); and deploying both IDS and firewall demonstrates layered security (overlapping controls). Multi-factor authentication is actually a form of defense in depth or layered security, not accountability; comprehensive logging and monitoring is the key to accountability, not least privilege; and disabling unnecessary services is a classic example of least privilege.
What should I do if I get this SY0-701 question wrong?
Review defense in depth, then practise related SY0-701 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Defense in depth
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Last reviewed: May 17, 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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