Question 1easymultiple choice
Full question →easymultiple choiceObjective-mapped
Threat intelligence shows an attacker changes domains every day, but the malware file itself stays the same across incidents. Which indicator would be the best to block immediately if you find it in your environment?
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
The current weather in the city where the attack was observed
Weather is unrelated to compromise and is not a useful indicator of malicious activity.
B
Best answer
The malware file hash from the shared sample
A file hash can directly identify the same malware sample even when the attacker rotates domains and hosting infrastructure.
C
Distractor review
The logo used on the phishing email
A logo may help with awareness, but it is too easy for attackers to change and is not reliable for blocking.
D
Distractor review
The time zone used by the help desk
A time zone setting does not directly identify malware or a malicious campaign.
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: The malware file hash from the shared sample — The malware file hash is the best immediate indicator to block because it identifies the sample itself. Even if the attacker rotates domains, switches hosting providers, or changes email infrastructure, the same file hash can still reveal the malware. In this scenario, the file is more stable than the surrounding infrastructure, so it is the most practical IOC to use. Why others are wrong: Weather and time zone have no security value for blocking malware. The phishing logo is too easy to alter and is not a dependable technical indicator. File hashes are much more specific and useful when the malicious binary remains unchanged across incidents.
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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