The correct answer is to first verify the integrity of the backups by scanning them on an isolated system, then restore the full backup and apply the most recent clean incremental backups. This order is critical because ransomware can lie dormant in backup files, so scanning on an isolated system ensures no encrypted remnants are reintroduced during restoration. The full backup provides the complete baseline from five days ago, while the clean incremental backups capture the minimal data loss from the past four days. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the ransomware backup restoration order and the principle of defense in depth, specifically isolating verification before recovery. A common trap is assuming all backups are safe simply because they are on a separate network segment, but the backup server itself might be compromised. Remember the mnemonic: Verify, Full, then Incremental—never skip the scan.
ISC2 CC Business Continuity, DR & Incident Response Practice Question
This CC practice question tests your understanding of business continuity, dr & incident response. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 healthcare organization experiences a ransomware attack that encrypts all files on file servers and workstations. The incident response team has isolated the infected systems. The backup policy includes daily incremental backups and weekly full backups stored on a separate network segment. The most recent full backup is 5 days old. The incremental backups from the past 4 days are available but are stored on the same backup server that might be compromised. To restore data with minimal loss, what should the team do?
Use the most recent incremental backup to restore files directly.
Why wrong: Incremental backups alone are not enough; full backup needed.
B
Assume all backups are compromised and rebuild systems from scratch.
Why wrong: Unnecessary if backups are clean; data loss would be greater.
C
First verify the integrity of the backups by scanning them on an isolated system, then restore the full backup and apply the most recent clean incremental backups.
Ensures clean backups and minimal data loss.
D
Restore the weekly full backup and then apply all incremental backups from the past 5 days.
Why wrong: Risks restoring ransomware if backups are compromised.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
First verify the integrity of the backups by scanning them on an isolated system, then restore the full backup and apply the most recent clean incremental backups.
Option D is correct. First, verify backup integrity on an isolated system to ensure no ransomware remnants. Then restore the full backup and apply the most recent clean incremental backups. Option A could restore ransomware if backups are compromised. Option B uses only incremental, missing the full backup. Option C is too drastic if backups are clean.
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.
✗
Use the most recent incremental backup to restore files directly.
Why it's wrong here
Incremental backups alone are not enough; full backup needed.
✗
Assume all backups are compromised and rebuild systems from scratch.
Why it's wrong here
Unnecessary if backups are clean; data loss would be greater.
✓
First verify the integrity of the backups by scanning them on an isolated system, then restore the full backup and apply the most recent clean incremental backups.
Why this is correct
Ensures clean backups and minimal data loss.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Restore the weekly full backup and then apply all incremental backups from the past 5 days.
Why it's wrong here
Risks restoring ransomware if backups are compromised.
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 security team runs a vulnerability scan on a web application and discovers an unpatched SQL injection flaw. The team prioritises remediation by CVSS score — critical flaws are patched within 24 hours, high within 7 days. Questions like this test whether you understand vulnerability management processes, scanning tools, and remediation prioritisation.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CC question in full detail.
Identify which CC 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.
Business Continuity, DR & Incident Response — This question tests Business Continuity, DR & Incident Response — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: First verify the integrity of the backups by scanning them on an isolated system, then restore the full backup and apply the most recent clean incremental backups. — Option D is correct. First, verify backup integrity on an isolated system to ensure no ransomware remnants. Then restore the full backup and apply the most recent clean incremental backups. Option A could restore ransomware if backups are compromised. Option B uses only incremental, missing the full backup. Option C is too drastic if backups are clean.
What should I do if I get this CC question wrong?
Identify which CC 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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
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 →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This CC practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 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 CC exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.