Question 1easymultiple choice
Full question →easymultiple choiceObjective-mapped
An administrator needs to send sensitive configuration details to a remote branch office so only the branch manager can read them. Which cryptographic method is most appropriate?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
A
Distractor review
Hashing the file before sending it
Hashing is one-way and cannot be used to recover the original configuration details. It is useful for integrity checks, not confidentiality.
B
Best answer
Encrypting the file so only the intended recipient can decrypt it
Encryption protects confidentiality by making the file unreadable to anyone without the correct key. For sensitive configuration details, encryption is the right tool because the recipient can decrypt the file while unauthorized parties cannot read it in transit or at rest.
C
Distractor review
Using a checksum printed in the email subject line
A checksum helps detect changes, but it does not hide the content. Anyone who intercepts the file can still read it unless encryption is used.
D
Distractor review
Appending the word confidential to the file name
A label in the file name does not protect the contents. It may warn people, but it does not stop unauthorized access.
Common exam trap
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.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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.
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More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
Question 1
A laptop is suspected of being used in a malware incident. It is still powered on and connected to Wi-Fi. What should the responder do before shutting it down?
Question 2
An employee reports a ransomware note on a file server. The server is still powered on, shares are still being accessed, and management wants service restored as quickly as possible. What should the incident response team do first?
Question 3
An employee reports a ransomware note on a finance laptop. The laptop is still powered on, connected to Wi-Fi, and the user says they were just working in a spreadsheet. Management wants the fastest safe response that also preserves evidence. What should the responder do first?
Question 4
You are handed a company laptop suspected in an insider theft case. Legal says the evidence may be needed in court. Which action best preserves admissibility?
Question 5
A developer wants to reduce the risk of SQL injection in a new customer search form. Which two changes are the best mitigations? Select two.
Question 6
A branch office uses a flat LAN, and a compromise on one user workstation could spread quickly to finance systems. Management wants finance workstations isolated from general users, but finance staff still need access to a central finance application and network printer. What is the best design change?
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SY0-701 question test?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Encrypting the file so only the intended recipient can decrypt it — Encryption is the right choice when the goal is confidentiality. The administrator wants only the branch manager to read the configuration details, so the data should be encrypted before transmission. That way, even if the file is intercepted, the contents remain unreadable without the decryption key. Why others are wrong: Hashing and checksums can help verify data integrity, but they do not keep information secret. A filename label is only administrative and provides no real protection. Encryption is the only option listed that directly addresses confidentiality for the sensitive file.
What should I do if I get this SY0-701 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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