SANS Assessment of Student Learning Plan (ASLP) Security Awareness Training

Which action should be taken if a device displays strange behavior?

1. Ignore it and continue using it

2. Immediately turn it off and remove the battery

3. Contact technical support for guidance

4. Repair it yourself

The correct answer is: Contact technical support for guidance

When a device exhibits strange behavior, the appropriate action is to contact technical support for guidance. This is essential because technical support personnel are trained to diagnose and resolve issues that may indicate security vulnerabilities or hardware failures. They can provide professional insights into the problem, potential risks, and the safest means of addressing the situation. Taking this step minimizes the chances of inadvertently causing further damage to the device or exposing sensitive data to additional risks. Technical support can often assess the situation based on symptoms you describe and may suggest appropriate troubleshooting steps or repairs. The other options do not address the potential risks associated with strange device behavior effectively. Ignoring the issue may allow existing problems to worsen or lead to data loss or security breaches. Turning the device off and removing the battery could be a suitable immediate response, yet it lacks the follow-up measures that professional guidance can provide. Repairing it yourself without proper knowledge of the issue might lead to incorrect fixes, further complications, or void warranties. Thus, seeking technical support is the most responsible and effective action to take in this scenario.