Quick Answer
The answer is to isolate affected endpoints from the network while preserving memory. This is the most effective containment strategy for fileless malware because fileless threats operate entirely in system memory (RAM) and leave no persistent artifacts on disk; cutting network access stops lateral movement and command-and-control communication, while preserving memory ensures volatile evidence—such as malicious scripts, PowerShell commands, or WMI activity—remains intact for forensic analysis. On the CISM exam, this question tests your understanding of incident response priorities under the Incident Management domain, specifically the trade-off between rapid containment and evidence preservation. A common trap is choosing to reboot or reimage the endpoint, which destroys the very memory evidence needed to trace the attack’s root cause. Remember the mnemonic: “Isolate, don’t obliterate—memory is the fileless malware’s only habitat.”
This CISM practice question tests your understanding of incident management. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
An incident response team is dealing with a persistent threat that uses fileless malware. Which containment strategy is most effective?
Isolate affected endpoints from the network while preserving memory
Correct: Contains the threat and preserves forensic data.
Disable user accounts
Why wrong: Disabling accounts does not contain the malware if it's running in memory.
Block known malicious IPs
Why wrong: Blocking IPs may not address the local execution of fileless malware.
Reimage all endpoints
Why wrong: Reimaging destroys evidence and does not allow analysis of the malware.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Isolate affected endpoints from the network while preserving memory
Isolating affected endpoints preserves volatile memory evidence needed to analyze fileless malware.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Isolate affected endpoints from the network while preserving memory
Why this is correct
Correct: Contains the threat and preserves forensic data.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Disable user accounts
Why it's wrong here
Disabling accounts does not contain the malware if it's running in memory.
Block known malicious IPs
Why it's wrong here
Blocking IPs may not address the local execution of fileless malware.
Reimage all endpoints
Why it's wrong here
Reimaging destroys evidence and does not allow analysis of the malware.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the CISM exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which CISM 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
Incident Management — This question tests Incident Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Isolate affected endpoints from the network while preserving memory — Isolating affected endpoints preserves volatile memory evidence needed to analyze fileless malware.
Identify which CISM 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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This CISM practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISACA 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 CISM exam.
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