XDR-Analyst Evidence Review And Response Actions Practice Question
Which TWO forensic logs or artifacts are most valuable when investigating a suspected ransomware attack on an endpoint? (Choose two)
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
File system activity logs showing rapid mass file modifications or extensions
Ransomware investigations rely heavily on file activity logs (mass modifications/renaming) and volume shadow copy deletion logs.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
File system activity logs showing rapid mass file modifications or extensions
Why this is correct
Mass file encryption typically results in high-volume file modification and extension renaming events.
- ✗
Visitor badge sign-in sheets
Why it's wrong here
Visitor sign-in sheets track physical reception visitors.
- ✗
Cafeteria menu rotation schedules
Why it's wrong here
Cafeteria menus are food service operational schedules.
- ✗
Office desk assignment floor plans
Why it's wrong here
Floor plans are office layout diagrams.
- ✓
Process execution logs revealing attempts to delete Volume Shadow Copies (e.g., vssadmin delete shadows)
Why this is correct
Ransomware frequently attempts to delete backup shadow copies to prevent file recovery.
About these practice questions
One of 210 original XDR-Analyst practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official Palo Alto Networks exam blueprint
This XDR-Analyst practice question is part of Courseiva's free Palo Alto Networks 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 XDR-Analyst exam.