Free SY0-401: CompTIA Security Exam Questions and Answers
CompTIA Security is exam SY0-401, part of the CompTIA certification programme. CompTIA exam codes carry a family prefix and a version number — SY0- for Security+, N10- for Network+, CS0- for CySA+, 220- for A+ — and most Plus-series exams allow 90 minutes for up to 90 questions, mixing multiple choice with performance-based items in a simulated environment.
The first 10 questions on this page are free to read, answers included — no account and no card. A plan opens the rest of the bank, the full timed practice test and your weak-topic reporting.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
- Exam code
- SY0-401
- Provider
- CompTIA
- Questions in our bank
- 1000+
- Free to read
- First 10, with answers
- Official page
- Official Exam website
- Our test mode duration & pass mark
- 130 mins · 70%
Recommended: Switch to Test Mode to start a practice test that simulates the real exam experience.
Question #1
A company experiences an insider threat. What should they do first?
Please select an optionIncorrectCorrect answer: B
Reviewing access logs helps to identify unusual patterns and validate insider threats before taking further steps.
Was this answer correct?Question #2
An employee receives a suspicious email. What is the best action?
Please select an optionIncorrectCorrect answer: A
Forwarding to IT security allows professionals to assess the email safely and determine if there is an actual threat.
Was this answer correct?Question #3
During a risk assessment, what is a business continuity plan?
Please select an optionIncorrectCorrect answer: A
A business continuity plan focuses on strategies to maintain critical operations during adverse situations.
Was this answer correct?Question #4
An organization needs to implement a secure communication channel.
Please select an optionIncorrectCorrect answer: A
A VPN creates a secure encrypted tunnel for communication over public networks, protecting data confidentiality.
Was this answer correct?Question #5
Which is a primary goal of a security awareness program?
Please select an optionIncorrectCorrect answer: B
The key aim of a security awareness program is to educate employees about security risks to minimize incidents related to negligence.
Was this answer correct?Question #6
After a data breach, what is the first step the company should take?
Please select an optionIncorrectCorrect answer: A
Investigating the breach is critical to understand how it occurred and what data was affected.
Was this answer correct?Question #7
Which control is least effective against phishing?
Please select an optionIncorrectCorrect answer: B
While anti-virus is important, it is less specific in detecting phishing than user education and email filtering, which directly address it.
Was this answer correct?Question #8
What is the purpose of multi-factor authentication?
Please select an optionIncorrectCorrect answer: C
Multi-factor authentication enhances security by requiring multiple forms of verification to confirm a user's identity.
Was this answer correct?Question #9
A company's database has been compromised. What should be prioritized?
Please select an optionIncorrectCorrect answer: A
Conducting a root cause analysis is essential to understand how the compromise occurred and prevent future incidents.
Was this answer correct?Question #10
A user is unable to access a secured network. What could be a reason?
Please select an optionIncorrectCorrect answer: A
An incorrect password is a common issue preventing access to secured networks.
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Other CompTIA certifications
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FAQ
Learn More: https://www.comptia.org/certifications
- Q1: What is the SY0-401: CompTIA Security exam?
- A: SY0-401: CompTIA Security is a CompTIA certification exam. Judging by the questions in our bank, it concentrates on phishing, threat and attack.
- Q2: What topics does the SY0-401: CompTIA Security exam cover?
- A: Questions in our SY0-401: CompTIA Security bank cluster around phishing, threat and attack. Working through the full set is the quickest way to find which of these you are weakest on.
- Q3: How should I prepare for SY0-401: CompTIA Security?
- A: Work through the SY0-401: CompTIA Security practice questions here, checking your answer on each one, then sit the practice test to rehearse the exam under timed conditions before the real thing.
- Q4: Are these real SY0-401: CompTIA Security exam questions?
- A: They are drawn from officially released past questions and from community members who have sat SY0-401: CompTIA Security. Answers are verified and updated weekly.
- Q5: Where do I register for the SY0-401: CompTIA Security exam?
- A: Register through CompTIA directly at https://www.comptia.org/certifications. Exampractice is not affiliated with CompTIA and does not administer the exam.
- Q6: Is there a free SY0-401: CompTIA Security sample?
- A: Yes. Every SY0-401: CompTIA Security page shows a free sample of real questions. Upgrading opens the full bank and the practice test.
- Q7: What are CompTIA Certification Exams?
- A: CompTIA Certification Exams validate your expertise in various IT disciplines, including networking, security, cloud computing, and IT support. These certifications demonstrate your proficiency in applying best practices and industry standards to manage and troubleshoot IT environments.
- Q8: Why should I pursue CompTIA Certification?
- A: CompTIA Certification enhances your professional credibility, showcasing your skills and knowledge in essential IT areas. This can lead to better job opportunities, higher salaries, and career advancement in IT support, networking, cybersecurity, and cloud computing fields.
- Q9: What are the benefits of CompTIA Certification?
- A: Benefits include recognition as a certified IT professional, improved job performance, access to exclusive resources, continuing education opportunities, and staying current with the latest IT industry trends and best practices.
- Q10: Who should take CompTIA Certification Exams?
- A: IT professionals, network administrators, cybersecurity experts, cloud engineers, and anyone involved in managing and supporting IT infrastructure should consider these certifications to validate their expertise and advance their careers.
- Q11: What types of CompTIA Certification Exams are available?
- A: CompTIA offers various certification paths, including:
- Q12: How do I prepare for CompTIA Certification Exams?
- A: Preparation can include official CompTIA training courses, study guides, practice exams, online tutorials, and hands-on experience in relevant IT disciplines.
- Q13: Where can I take CompTIA Certification Exams?
- A: CompTIA Certification Exams can be taken at authorized Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide or online, providing flexibility to fit your schedule and location.
- Q14: How do CompTIA Certifications impact my career?
- A: CompTIA Certifications significantly boost your career by demonstrating your expertise to employers, making you a more competitive candidate for advanced roles and promotions in IT support, networking, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.
- Q15: Are there any prerequisites for CompTIA Certification Exams?
- A: Some exams may have prerequisites, such as foundational knowledge or prior certifications. Check the specific requirements for each certification path on the CompTIA website.
- Q16: How often do I need to recertify for CompTIA Certifications?
- A: CompTIA Certifications typically require recertification every three years to ensure that certified professionals stay updated with the latest IT technologies and industry practices.