The correct corrective action is to add more storage space to the backup target. This is because the backup log’s final error explicitly flags insufficient storage, meaning the destination volume lacks the capacity to complete the write operation. While an earlier tape error might appear to be a hardware fault, it is often a secondary symptom of the same root cause: the storage medium is full, preventing the backup process from proceeding. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this scenario tests your ability to interpret system logs and apply basic incident response principles, specifically distinguishing between a direct cause and a correlated symptom. A common trap is to focus on the tape error and suggest replacing the tape drive, but the log’s explicit “insufficient storage” message points to capacity, not hardware failure. Remember the memory tip: “Full first, fix the space; a tape error may just be a trace.”
ISC2 CC Business Continuity, DR & Incident Response Practice Question
This CC practice question tests your understanding of business continuity, dr & incident response. 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.
Exhibit
Backup Log:
10/12/2024 02:00:00 INFO Starting full backup to tape
10/12/2024 02:30:00 ERROR Tape drive connection lost
10/12/2024 02:35:00 INFO Retrying...
10/12/2024 03:00:00 ERROR Backup failed: insufficient storage space
Refer to the exhibit. Based on the backup log, what is the most likely corrective 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.
Backup Log:
10/12/2024 02:00:00 INFO Starting full backup to tape
10/12/2024 02:30:00 ERROR Tape drive connection lost
10/12/2024 02:35:00 INFO Retrying...
10/12/2024 03:00:00 ERROR Backup failed: insufficient storage space
A
Reschedule the backup for a later time
Why wrong: Rescheduling does not fix the storage shortage.
B
Check network connectivity
Why wrong: The error is storage-related, not network.
C
Replace the tape drive
Why wrong: The initial error was connection lost, but the final failure is storage space, not a hardware fault.
D
Add more storage space to the backup target
The explicit error is 'insufficient storage space', so adding space directly addresses the issue.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Add more storage space to the backup target
The final error indicates insufficient storage space. Adding more storage space to the backup target would resolve the issue. The earlier tape error may be a symptom of full storage.
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.
✗
Reschedule the backup for a later time
Why it's wrong here
Rescheduling does not fix the storage shortage.
✗
Check network connectivity
Why it's wrong here
The error is storage-related, not network.
✗
Replace the tape drive
Why it's wrong here
The initial error was connection lost, but the final failure is storage space, not a hardware fault.
✓
Add more storage space to the backup target
Why this is correct
The explicit error is 'insufficient storage space', so adding space directly addresses the issue.
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.
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 analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
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: Add more storage space to the backup target — The final error indicates insufficient storage space. Adding more storage space to the backup target would resolve the issue. The earlier tape error may be a symptom of full storage.
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.
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.
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