Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
Several Windows servers were built from the same image, and all of them use the same local Administrator password. What is the best operational hardening change?
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
Keep the shared password but store it in a spreadsheet with restricted access.
This improves convenience, but it does not reduce the risk of one password compromising many servers.
B
Best answer
Implement a tool that automatically sets unique local admin passwords on each server.
This is the best hardening change because shared local administrator passwords create an easy lateral-movement path if one server or credential is exposed. A password management solution that generates unique local admin passwords reduces blast radius while preserving administrative access. It also supports safer operational management because the passwords can still be retrieved or rotated through controlled processes instead of being duplicated across systems.
C
Distractor review
Remove all administrator accounts from the servers.
Servers still require administrative access for maintenance, patching, and incident response activities.
D
Distractor review
Change the password manually once a year on one server only.
Changing one password does not solve the shared-credential problem across the rest of the server fleet.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
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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
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Question 2
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Question 3
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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
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SY0-701 question test?
Authentication checks who the user is.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Implement a tool that automatically sets unique local admin passwords on each server. — This is the best hardening change because shared local administrator passwords create an easy lateral-movement path if one server or credential is exposed. A password management solution that generates unique local admin passwords reduces blast radius while preserving administrative access. It also supports safer operational management because the passwords can still be retrieved or rotated through controlled processes instead of being duplicated across systems. Why others are wrong: A keeps the core weakness intact and only adds a storage location for the same risk. C is unrealistic because servers need administrative access for maintenance and emergency response. D changes only one credential and leaves the shared-password exposure across the rest of the environment untouched.
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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