Free SY0-701 Practice Test Questions and Answers (2026)

Test your cybersecurity knowledge with free CompTIA SY0-701 (Security+) practice questions. Verified by certified experts, this question set covers major Security+ domains including threat mitigation, security architecture, and network defense scenarios. Each question includes a technical breakdown explaining both correct and incorrect choices, referencing official CompTIA documentation to solidify your understanding of modern security frameworks. By analyzing these rationales, you can build the analytical skills necessary to tackle the real exam, securely manage hybrid environments, and pass with confidence.

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Q: 1
An engineer needs to find a solution that creates an added layer of security by preventing unauthorized access to internal company resources. Which of the following would be the best solution?
Options
43 comments in the community discussion
3
Probably B. A jump server is set up specifically to control and monitor access into a more sensitive zone, so only authorized users get through. RDP or proxy servers don't provide that choke point for internal access, and hypervisor isn’t really about access control in this context. Pretty sure B is the best fit but op
2
Makes sense to go with B here. Jump servers are specifically used to control and monitor internal access, unlike proxies that just filter internet traffic. Pretty sure that's what the question is after.
Q: 2
Which of the following is the most relevant reason a DPO would develop a data inventory?
Options
37 comments in the community discussion
5
B . If the question asked about storage optimization not DPO's main job, A would be right instead.
5
Option B but I'm honestly not 100% sure. Seems like knowing data locations helps in breach situations? Can anyone confirm?
Q: 3
While conducting a business continuity tabletop exercise, the security team becomes concerned by potential impacts if a generator fails during failover. Which of the following is the team most likely to consider in regard to risk management activities?
Options
31 comments in the community discussion
5
D . MTTR (Mean Time To Repair) is what you'd look at when worried about how long the generator failure will impact operations, which is spot on for risk management here. C (BIA) is more about identifying business functions and their importance, but this question's focus is on restoring after failure, not just assessing
1
C/D?
Q: 4
A company receives an alert that a network device vendor, which is widely used in the enterprise, has been banned by the government. Which of the following will the company's general counsel most likely be concerned with during a hardware refresh of these devices?
Options
41 comments in the community discussion
2
Maybe C, since cost of replacement could be a huge issue for the company in this scenario.
1
Legal's main job here is avoiding trouble with regulators, so A fits best. When a government bans a vendor, using their devices could violate sanctions, which means legal risk and possible fines. Cost (C) or data sovereignty (B) might matter to others but not top priority for general counsel in this scenario. Pretty
Q: 5
HOTSPOT You are security administrator investigating a potential infection on a network. Click on each host and firewall. Review all logs to determine which host originated the Infecton and then deny each remaining hosts clean or infected. CompTIA Security + SY0-701 question CompTIA Security + SY0-701 question CompTIA Security + SY0-701 question CompTIA Security + SY0-701 question CompTIA Security + SY0-701 question CompTIA Security + SY0-701 question CompTIA Security + SY0-701 question
Your Answer
39 comments in the community discussion
8
Looks like 192.168.10.22 is the origin, infected are 192.168.10.41 and 10.10.9.18, clean are 192.168.10.37 and 10.10.9.12.
6
Looks right to me, seen similar drag-and-drop hotspot setups in the official practice tests. If a host's logs show they quarantined svch0st.exe successfully, CompTIA expects you to call it clean. Origin is 192.168.10.22, with 192.168.10.41 and 10.10.9.18 counted as infected. Let me know if you see a different interp
Q: 6
A network manager wants to protect the company's VPN by implementing multifactor authentication that uses: . Something you know . Something you have . Something you are Which of the following would accomplish the manager's goal?
Options
32 comments in the community discussion
1
Its C
1
C or D, had something like this in a mock. I picked D that time.
Q: 7
Which of the following is best used to detect fraud by assigning employees to different roles?
Options
37 comments in the community discussion
5
Option D fits best, seen similar in official practice sets. Job rotation puts new people in roles so hidden fraud is more likely to get found. Not totally sure if some guides split hairs, but the study guide leans D here.
1
D imo
Q: 8
Which of the following is a common source of unintentional corporate credential leakage in cloud environments?
Options
43 comments in the community discussion
2
A tbh
1
Not B, A. Dark web is just where leaks end up, but code repos are where creds actually slip out by mistake.
Q: 9
Which of the following environments utilizes a subset of customer data and is most likely to be used to assess the impacts of major system upgrades and demonstrate system features?
Options
37 comments in the community discussion
1
Option D, Test is tempting but staging is the realistic pre-prod check with sanitized customer data. Seen this trap before.
1
Its D, staging is designed to closely mirror production and often uses sanitized real data for realistic testing. That’s where you validate big changes and do demos safely before releasing anything live. I think that’s what they want, agree?
Q: 10
Which of the following is an example of memory injection?
Options
44 comments in the community discussion
6
Option C D trips people up since it sounds serious, but only C is truly about memory injection into a running process.
5
Option C makes the most sense here. Memory injection is when malicious code ends up inside the memory space of a running process, not just an overwritten file on disk like D. This is classic process injection technique, like DLL injection or using Windows API calls. Pretty sure that's what the question wants, but op
Q: 11
A security team is reviewing the findings in a report that was delivered after a third party performed a penetration test. One of the findings indicated that a web application form field is vulnerable to cross-site scripting. Which of the following application security techniques should the security analyst recommend the developer implement to prevent this vulnerability?
Options
9 comments in the community discussion
1
C not A. Secure cookies are for session protection, but input validation directly prevents XSS. Pretty sure C is right.
1
Makes sense, this would be C. Saw a super similar question show up in some practice tests too.
Q: 12
SIMULATION A security analyst is creating the first draft of a network diagram for the company's new customer- facing payment application that will be hosted by a third-party cloud service provider. CompTIA Security + SY0-701 question CompTIA Security + SY0-701 question
Your Answer
8 comments in the community discussion
2
WAF here, fits the PCI and web app requirements best.
1
WAF
Q: 13
Which of the following would most likely prevent exploitation of an end-of-life, business-critical system?
Options
12 comments in the community discussion
I don’t think it’s D. B fits better-encryption (D) can protect the data, but it doesn’t actually prevent exploitation if the system is still exposed. Isolation (B) cuts off access and really limits attack vectors, especially since you can't just decommission a business-critical setup here. Pretty common trap to pick en
Option D looked right to me since encryption can help protect data even on legacy systems. Had something like this in a mock, and they called out encryption as a control for old servers. But not totally sure if that's enough by itself.
Q: 14
A company recently decided to allow employees to work remotely. The company wants to protect us data without using a VPN. Which of the following technologies should the company Implement?
Options
11 comments in the community discussion
3
Option A seems right. Secure web gateway covers remote users by filtering their web traffic and applying company policies without needing a VPN, which the question specifically says not to use. Next-gen firewalls are more for network edges, and deep packet inspection isn't really tailored to remote scenarios in this
1
Makes sense to use Secure web gateway here A. SWG lets remote staff access the web securely with policy controls, even if they’re not on VPN. I’ve seen similar advice in the official study guide. Correct me if I’m missing something.
Q: 15
SIMULATION A recent black-box penetration test of http://example.com discovered that external website vulnerabilities exist, such as directory traversals, cross-site scripting, cross-site forgery, and insecure protocols. You are tasked with reducing the attack space and enabling secure protocols. INSTRUCTIONS Part 1 Use the drop-down menus to select the appropriate technologies for each location to implement a secure and resilient web architecture. Not all technologies will be used, and technologies may be used multiple times. Part 2 Use the drop-down menus to select the appropriate command snippets from the drop-down menus. Each command section must be filled. CompTIA Security + SY0-701 question CompTIA Security + SY0-701 question CompTIA Security + SY0-701 question CompTIA Security + SY0-701 question
Your Answer
12 comments in the community discussion
4
Did anyone else see questions like this on practice exams? Router as edge, then firewall, then WAF seems standard.
3
Nah, I don't think firewall goes first. Similar questions in practice tests show router at the edge, then firewall, then WAF before the web server. The trick is not to mix up L3 (router) with L4/L7 controls. For Part 2, rsa:2048 is what you use in each field-the others are distractors since -keyout/-out are part of lon
Q: 16
A security team created a document that details the order in which critical systems should be through back online after a major outage. Which of the following documents did the team create?
Options
14 comments in the community discussion
6
Option D The key detail is the order of restoring systems, which falls right under disaster recovery planning. Communication and retention wouldn't go into that sequence. Pretty sure about this, but open to other takes.
5
D . Data retention (C) trips some folks up but that's more about storing data, not system restoration order. Restoration sequence screams disaster recovery plan to me.
Q: 17
Which of the following steps in the risk management process involves establishing the scope and potential risks involved with a project?
Options
14 comments in the community discussion
3
Option B, had something like this in a mock. Fits the risk identification step here.
1
B, seen similar question in practice sets. Risk identification is where you figure out what could go wrong for the project.
Q: 18
A security administrator would like to protect data on employees’ laptops. Which of the following encryption techniques should the security administrator use?
Options
10 comments in the community discussion
2
C saw this exact scenario in my last mock-full disk encryption is what they're looking for here.
1
I don’t think it's C. B works too because asymmetric encryption is strong for data protection, especially for securing individual files or communications on laptops. Maybe I’m mixing up use cases, but seems plausible here. Anyone disagree?
Q: 19
A company makes a change during the appropriate change window, but the unsuccessful change extends beyond the scheduled time and impacts customers. Which of the following would prevent this from reoccurring?
Options
9 comments in the community discussion
1
D imo, labs and official guide both stress backout plans for changes that overrun or fail.
1
It’s D. Having a backout plan is what actually stops extended outages if a change fails, not just analyzing risk or notifying users. C is about identifying risks before, but here it’s the recovery step that matters. Seen similar scenarios in practice tests.
Q: 20
The management team notices that new accounts that are set up manually do not always have correct access or permissions. Which of the following automation techniques should a systems administrator use to streamline account creation?
Options
11 comments in the community discussion
1
Official study guides and practice tests cover scenarios like this a lot. They highlight user provisioning scripts (D) for automating account setup so permissions match policy every time. I think that's the main point here, but if anyone found something different in labs or the exam, let me know.
1
D tbh. User provisioning script fixes the manual access mistakes by automating the process. Pretty standard control for account setups.
Question 1 of 20

What's covered in this practice questions set

2: Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations · 7 questions

📖 About this Domain

This domain covers the analysis of indicators of compromise (IoCs) and the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) of threat actors. You will learn to identify various vulnerabilities and attacks to apply appropriate mitigation strategies.

🎓 What You Will Learn

  • Analyze threat actor attributes and utilize threat intelligence sources to predict and prevent attacks.
  • Identify security vulnerabilities associated with software, hardware, and system configurations.
  • Differentiate between various attack vectors, including malware, social engineering, and denial-of-service.
  • Understand mitigation techniques such as threat hunting, vulnerability scanning, and system hardening.

🛠️ Skills You Will Build

  • Perform threat analysis by correlating IoCs with known threat actor TTPs.
  • Conduct vulnerability assessments to discover weaknesses in network assets and applications.
  • Recommend appropriate security controls and mitigation strategies for identified threats.
  • Improve an organization's security posture by implementing proactive defense measures.

💡 Top Tips to Prepare

  • Focus on memorizing the distinct characteristics of malware types and social engineering tactics.
  • Connect each mitigation technique to the specific vulnerability or attack vector it counters.
  • Review real-world Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) to understand practical application.
  • Use practice labs and performance-based questions to simulate threat identification and response scenarios.

4: Security Operations · 6 questions

📖 About this Domain

The Security Operations domain focuses on the practical application of cybersecurity concepts. It covers the tools, techniques, and processes used to monitor, detect, and respond to security incidents. This domain is critical for understanding the day-to-day functions of a security professional.

🎓 What You Will Learn

  • You will learn to use security tools for network reconnaissance, packet capture, and vulnerability scanning.
  • This domain teaches the incident response lifecycle, including preparation, detection, analysis, and post-incident activities.
  • You will understand how to analyze logs and security data from SIEM and SOAR platforms to identify indicators of compromise.
  • It covers digital forensics concepts like chain of custody, data acquisition, and evidence preservation for investigations.

🛠️ Skills You Will Build

  • You will build skills in using command-line tools and security frameworks for network discovery and vulnerability assessment.
  • This domain develops your ability to analyze security logs and SIEM data to detect and investigate potential threats.
  • You will gain proficiency in executing incident response procedures, including containment, eradication, and recovery.
  • You will learn to apply digital forensics principles, such as maintaining the chain of custody and proper evidence handling.

💡 Top Tips to Prepare

  • Utilize virtual labs to gain hands-on experience with tools like Nmap, Wireshark, and command-line utilities.
  • Memorize the incident response lifecycle and the purpose of each phase, from preparation to lessons learned.
  • Learn to differentiate between various security assessment techniques, such as vulnerability scanning and penetration testing.
  • Practice identifying common indicators of compromise in sample logs and network traffic captures.

1: General Security Concepts · 3 questions

📖 About this Domain

This domain establishes the foundational principles of cybersecurity. It covers the core security controls, the CIA triad, and fundamental cryptographic concepts essential for a security professional.

🎓 What You Will Learn

  • Differentiate security control types like administrative, technical, and physical, and their functions such as preventative or detective.
  • Define core security concepts including the CIA triad, non-repudiation, authentication, and authorization.
  • Explain the use cases for cryptographic solutions like symmetric/asymmetric encryption, hashing, and digital signatures.
  • Summarize the importance of change management processes and secure baselining for maintaining system integrity.

🛠️ Skills You Will Build

  • Ability to classify security controls based on their category and function in a given security architecture.
  • Skill to apply the principles of the CIA triad to identify and mitigate risks to data and systems.
  • Competency in selecting appropriate cryptographic methods to achieve confidentiality, integrity, or non-repudiation.
  • Proficiency in analyzing Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) components like CAs, CRLs, and certificate trust models.

💡 Top Tips to Prepare

  • Master the definitions and applications of the CIA triad, as it is a core concept tested in multiple scenarios.
  • Use mnemonic devices or charts to memorize the differences between control types and categories.
  • Focus on the 'why' and 'when' for using specific cryptographic algorithms, not just the 'what'.
  • Review change management workflow diagrams to understand the security checkpoints at each stage.

3: Security Architecture · 2 questions

📖 About this Domain

This domain covers the design and implementation of secure systems and networks within an enterprise. It focuses on applying security principles to on-premises, cloud, and hybrid architectures to build a resilient security posture.

🎓 What You Will Learn

  • You will learn to analyze security implications of enterprise architectures, including zero trust, defense-in-depth, and secure access service edge (SASE).
  • You will learn to apply security principles to cloud environments, covering IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, containerization, and serverless architectures.
  • You will learn to implement security controls for infrastructure, including network segmentation, endpoint detection and response (EDR), and mobile device management (MDM).
  • You will learn to explain cryptographic concepts like symmetric/asymmetric encryption, hashing, digital signatures, and public key infrastructure (PKI).

🛠️ Skills You Will Build

  • You will build the skill to design and analyze secure architectures using frameworks like zero trust and defense-in-depth.
  • You will build the skill to implement security controls for cloud infrastructure, including identity and access management (IAM) and virtual private cloud (VPC) configurations.
  • You will build the skill to apply cryptographic techniques to secure data at rest, in transit, and in use.
  • You will build the skill to harden enterprise infrastructure components, from network devices to endpoints and mobile assets.

💡 Top Tips to Prepare

  • Focus on cloud security concepts, including shared responsibility models, IaaS/PaaS/SaaS security, and containerization security.
  • Understand the practical application of architectural frameworks like zero trust and SASE, not just their definitions.
  • Use performance-based questions (PBQs) to practice designing and securing network diagrams and cloud environments.
  • Differentiate between cryptographic concepts like hashing, encryption, and digital signatures, and know their specific use cases.

5: Security Program Management and Oversight · 2 questions

📖 About this Domain

This domain covers the principles of governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) that form an organization's security posture. It focuses on implementing security policies, managing risk through frameworks, and ensuring business continuity.

🎓 What You Will Learn

  • Learn to apply risk management frameworks like NIST RMF to identify, assess, and mitigate organizational risks.
  • Understand the components of business continuity and disaster recovery planning, including BIA and RTO/RPO.
  • Explore data governance concepts such as data classification, data sovereignty, and privacy regulations.
  • Grasp the importance of security policies, standards, and procedures in establishing a formal security program.

🛠️ Skills You Will Build

  • You will build the skill to conduct a business impact analysis (BIA) to identify critical systems and processes.
  • You will develop the ability to contribute to the development and enforcement of security policies and controls.
  • You will gain proficiency in evaluating third-party risk and vendor security assessments.
  • You will learn to align security initiatives with organizational goals and compliance requirements.

💡 Top Tips to Prepare

  • Memorize key GRC acronyms and their functions, such as BIA, RTO, RPO, and MTTR.
  • Focus on understanding the steps of risk management frameworks, not just the names of the frameworks themselves.
  • Differentiate between policies, standards, procedures, and guidelines as they are frequently tested concepts.
  • Use practice questions that present scenarios requiring you to apply GRC principles to a business problem.

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