The correct answer is to free up space by deleting unnecessary files or moving data, as this immediately restores user access to the shared network drive. When a file server disk is full, the operating system cannot allocate space for new writes or metadata operations, effectively locking out all users; clearing space removes that bottleneck and re-enables read and write access. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this scenario tests your grasp of incident response priorities—specifically, the need for a rapid, direct fix over less urgent actions like rebooting or escalating. A common trap is choosing to restart the server, which only temporarily masks the issue and disrupts active sessions. Remember the mnemonic “Full Disk, First Fix: Delete or Move”—always address the root capacity problem before considering other steps.
ISC2 CC Security Operations Practice Question
This CC 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 help desk technician receives a report that a user cannot access a shared network drive. The technician checks the file server and sees that the disk is full. What is the most immediate action the technician should take?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Free up space by deleting unnecessary files or moving data
Option B is correct because freeing up space restores access. The other options are either not immediate or do not directly address the disk full issue.
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.
✗
Reboot the file server
Why it's wrong here
Rebooting may cause additional downtime and does not guarantee freeing up space.
✓
Free up space by deleting unnecessary files or moving data
Why this is correct
This directly addresses the root cause (disk full) and can quickly restore access.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Run antivirus scan
Why it's wrong here
Antivirus scan may be necessary but not the immediate action to restore access.
✗
Increase disk quota
Why it's wrong here
Increasing quota does not free up space; it only allows more usage if space is available.
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.
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: Free up space by deleting unnecessary files or moving data — Option B is correct because freeing up space restores access. The other options are either not immediate or do not directly address the disk full issue.
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.