Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
The SOC is writing step-by-step instructions for responding to a suspected malware infection on a laptop. The document should tell analysts exactly what to do first, second, and third during triage and containment. Which governance artifact should they create?
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
Policy, because it states the organization's broad security intent.
A policy sets expectations and authority, but it does not provide detailed, task-by-task instructions for incident response. It is too high-level for operational execution.
B
Best answer
Procedure, because it gives a repeatable sequence of actions for a specific task.
A procedure is the right artifact when the team needs exact, repeatable instructions. In incident response, analysts need a consistent sequence for triage, containment, escalation, and evidence handling so that actions are predictable and auditable. Procedures support operational consistency and reduce confusion during stressful events, which is why they fit this scenario better than policies or guidelines.
C
Distractor review
Guideline, because it offers optional advice that analysts may choose to follow.
Guidelines are useful suggestions, but they are not strict enough when the team needs a consistent sequence of actions during an incident. Optional advice would create inconsistency under pressure.
D
Distractor review
Standard, because it defines the organization's security goals at a high level.
Standards define mandatory requirements, such as approved settings or technologies. They do not usually provide the step-by-step workflow needed for incident handling.
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: Procedure, because it gives a repeatable sequence of actions for a specific task. — A procedure is the best fit because the SOC needs a precise, repeatable sequence of actions for malware triage and containment. Procedures are operational documents that tell people how to perform a task in the same way each time. That consistency is especially important in incident response, where confusion or missed steps can slow containment and increase impact. The scenario focuses on action order, which is the hallmark of a procedure. Why others are wrong: A policy is too broad and strategic for step-by-step response guidance. A guideline is optional and would not provide the necessary consistency during an incident. A standard sets mandatory requirements, but it does not usually describe the detailed workflow for handling a specific event. Because the question asks for exact first, second, and third actions, procedure is the best match.
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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