The answer is that the backup source did not include that file. This is correct because a backup log typically records the success or failure of the entire job, not the presence of every individual file; if the database file was excluded from the backup source configuration—such as a file-level backup that omitted the database directory—the job would complete successfully without backing up that file, leading to a backup restore failure when the file is missing from the set. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this tests your understanding that backup success does not guarantee file-level coverage, a common trap where candidates assume a successful log means all data is safe. To remember this, think of the mnemonic “Log success ≠ file success”—always verify the source selection, not just the job status, to avoid a restore failure.
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.
Refer to the exhibit. An administrator needs to restore a database file from two weeks ago, but the backup log shows success. What is the most likely reason the file cannot be restored?
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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The backup source did not include that file
Option C is correct because the backup log only records the success or failure of the backup job as a whole, not the inclusion of every individual file. If the database file was not selected in the backup source configuration (e.g., a file-level backup job that excluded the database directory or a volume shadow copy that did not include the file), the backup would complete successfully without backing up that file. When the administrator attempts to restore, the file is missing from the backup set, even though the job log shows success.
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.
✗
The retention policy deleted it
Why it's wrong here
Retention is 30 days, so two-week-old backups should exist.
✗
The schedule was incorrect
Why it's wrong here
Backup logs show success, indicating the schedule ran correctly.
✓
The backup source did not include that file
Why this is correct
Only files under /srv/db are backed up; the needed file might be elsewhere.
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.
✗
The encryption key changed
Why it's wrong here
Encryption key issues would likely cause restore failure, but backup logs show success.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISC2 often tests the misconception that a successful backup log guarantees all intended data was backed up, when in reality the backup source configuration determines what is actually captured.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Backup logs show success, indicating the schedule ran correctly.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In backup software such as Veeam or Windows Server Backup, the backup job configuration defines the source objects (e.g., volumes, folders, or specific file paths). If the database file resides in a path that is not included in the source selection (e.g., a subfolder excluded via file filter or a separate volume not selected), the backup engine will skip it during the backup process. The job log typically reports success based on the overall job completion status, not on a per-file inventory check, which is why a missing file can go unnoticed until a restore is attempted.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CC question in full detail.
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: The backup source did not include that file — Option C is correct because the backup log only records the success or failure of the backup job as a whole, not the inclusion of every individual file. If the database file was not selected in the backup source configuration (e.g., a file-level backup job that excluded the database directory or a volume shadow copy that did not include the file), the backup would complete successfully without backing up that file. When the administrator attempts to restore, the file is missing from the backup set, even though the job log shows success.
What should I do if I get this CC question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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