- A
Close the finding as fixed because the reverse proxy reduces the risk
Why wrong: The issue is not actually fixed in the vulnerable component, even if the proxy reduces exposure.
- B
Record an exception, document the compensating control, and set a review or remediation date
An exception with documented mitigation and follow-up keeps the risk visible and tracked until the underlying issue can be remediated.
- C
Mark the finding as a false positive and remove it from future scans
Why wrong: The scanner is detecting a real configuration issue, so it should not be dismissed as a false positive.
- D
Ignore the finding until the vendor releases a new version
Why wrong: Ignoring the issue leaves the organization without accountability, tracking, or a documented risk decision.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to record an exception, document the compensating control, and set a review or remediation date. This is the proper handling because the vulnerability management process requires that when a patch is unavailable, any mitigating security measure—such as a reverse proxy enforcing stronger cipher settings—must be formally logged as a compensating control exception to maintain auditability and ensure the risk is tracked until the vendor software can be updated. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the vulnerability management lifecycle, specifically the exception and exemption phase, and often appears as a trap where candidates mistakenly choose to simply close the finding or ignore it. Remember the key sequence: if you cannot remediate, you must compensate, document, and schedule a review. A useful memory tip is “Exception, Not Rejection”—you never reject a valid finding; you formally accept the risk with a compensating control and a future remediation date.
SY0-701 Security Operations Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of security operations. 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 scan keeps reporting the same medium-severity TLS configuration issue on a public web server. The application owner says the vendor software cannot be changed until next quarter, but they can place the service behind a reverse proxy that enforces stronger cipher settings. How should the issue be handled in the vulnerability management process?
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
Record an exception, document the compensating control, and set a review or remediation date
Option B is correct because the vulnerability management process requires that when a vulnerability cannot be immediately remediated, compensating controls must be formally documented as an exception with a scheduled remediation date. In this scenario, the reverse proxy enforces stronger cipher settings, effectively mitigating the TLS misconfiguration at the network edge, which is a valid compensating control. Recording the exception ensures auditability and prevents the finding from being prematurely closed while the vendor software remains vulnerable.
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.
- ✗
Close the finding as fixed because the reverse proxy reduces the risk
Why it's wrong here
The issue is not actually fixed in the vulnerable component, even if the proxy reduces exposure.
- ✓
Record an exception, document the compensating control, and set a review or remediation date
Why this is correct
An exception with documented mitigation and follow-up keeps the risk visible and tracked until the underlying issue can be remediated.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Mark the finding as a false positive and remove it from future scans
Why it's wrong here
The scanner is detecting a real configuration issue, so it should not be dismissed as a false positive.
- ✗
Ignore the finding until the vendor releases a new version
Why it's wrong here
Ignoring the issue leaves the organization without accountability, tracking, or a documented risk decision.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume a compensating control automatically closes the finding, when in fact vulnerability management requires an exception process with documentation and a future remediation date to ensure the root cause is eventually addressed.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
A reverse proxy can terminate TLS at the proxy layer and re-encrypt with a secure cipher suite, effectively shielding the backend server from weak cipher negotiation. However, if an attacker can bypass the proxy (e.g., via direct IP access or internal network routes), the original vulnerable TLS configuration remains exploitable. This is why the exception must include a review date and the compensating control must be verified periodically, as per frameworks like NIST SP 800-115 or PCI DSS 6.2.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SY0-701 question test?
Security Operations — This question tests Security Operations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Record an exception, document the compensating control, and set a review or remediation date — Option B is correct because the vulnerability management process requires that when a vulnerability cannot be immediately remediated, compensating controls must be formally documented as an exception with a scheduled remediation date. In this scenario, the reverse proxy enforces stronger cipher settings, effectively mitigating the TLS misconfiguration at the network edge, which is a valid compensating control. Recording the exception ensures auditability and prevents the finding from being prematurely closed while the vendor software remains vulnerable.
What should I do if I get this SY0-701 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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