- A
Keep the laptop online so security tools can continue collecting data
Why wrong: Leaving the device online can allow unwanted software to keep reaching out to external sites and may expose other systems.
- B
Disconnect the laptop from the network and begin endpoint isolation
Network isolation stops the suspected malicious software from communicating outward or spreading while analysts investigate the device.
- C
Immediately reimage the laptop before preserving any evidence
Why wrong: Reimaging may remove the problem, but it destroys useful evidence before the security team can determine what happened.
- D
Ask the user to uninstall the browser and reinstall it manually
Why wrong: That might remove browser settings, but it does not safely contain a possible malware infection on the endpoint.
Quick Answer
The correct immediate containment action is to disconnect the laptop from the network and begin endpoint isolation. This step is critical because the symptoms of pop-up ads and a browser hijack strongly indicate that unwanted software is actively communicating with remote command servers, and cutting the network connection stops that data flow and prevents the infection from spreading laterally across the enterprise. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the containment phase in incident response—specifically that isolation takes priority over eradication or recovery. A common trap is to jump to reimaging or reinstalling the browser, but those actions destroy volatile evidence needed for root-cause analysis. Remember the mnemonic “Isolate Before Investigate” to lock in the first step when a workstation shows signs of compromise.
SY0-701 Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigations. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
A user reports that their laptop is showing frequent pop-up ads, the browser homepage keeps changing, and the system has become noticeably slower. What is the most likely immediate containment action?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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
Disconnect the laptop from the network and begin endpoint isolation
The best immediate action is to isolate the laptop from the network. The symptoms suggest malicious or unwanted software may be communicating with outside servers or affecting the browser. Isolation limits further damage, prevents possible spread, and gives responders time to inspect the system safely. This is a standard first containment step when a workstation appears compromised but is still active. Why others are wrong: Keeping the laptop online risks continued malicious activity. Reimaging too early can destroy evidence needed for root-cause analysis. Simply reinstalling the browser may remove a symptom, but it does not address the possibility of a broader endpoint compromise.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Keep the laptop online so security tools can continue collecting data
Why it's wrong here
Leaving the device online can allow unwanted software to keep reaching out to external sites and may expose other systems.
- ✓
Disconnect the laptop from the network and begin endpoint isolation
Why this is correct
Network isolation stops the suspected malicious software from communicating outward or spreading while analysts investigate the device.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Immediately reimage the laptop before preserving any evidence
Why it's wrong here
Reimaging may remove the problem, but it destroys useful evidence before the security team can determine what happened.
- ✗
Ask the user to uninstall the browser and reinstall it manually
Why it's wrong here
That might remove browser settings, but it does not safely contain a possible malware infection on the endpoint.
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
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.
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 SOC analyst notices unusual lateral movement in the network at 2 AM. The IR playbook dictates: identify and contain (isolate the affected machine), then eradicate (remove the malware), then recover (restore from backup), then document. Skipping containment before eradication risks the attacker regaining access. Questions like this test the sequence and rationale of incident response phases.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which SY0-701 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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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: Disconnect the laptop from the network and begin endpoint isolation — The best immediate action is to isolate the laptop from the network. The symptoms suggest malicious or unwanted software may be communicating with outside servers or affecting the browser. Isolation limits further damage, prevents possible spread, and gives responders time to inspect the system safely. This is a standard first containment step when a workstation appears compromised but is still active. Why others are wrong: Keeping the laptop online risks continued malicious activity. Reimaging too early can destroy evidence needed for root-cause analysis. Simply reinstalling the browser may remove a symptom, but it does not address the possibility of a broader endpoint compromise.
What should I do if I get this SY0-701 question wrong?
Identify which SY0-701 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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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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