Question 1hardmultiple choice
Full question →hardmultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A security analyst discovers that an employee's workstation is infected with a rootkit. The technician has attempted to remove the rootkit using standard antivirus and anti-malware tools, but the rootkit persists after each reboot. Which of the following is the MOST effective next step to eradicate the rootkit?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
A
Best answer
Boot the system from a clean external drive and run antivirus from there
Booting from external media avoids the infected OS, allowing detection and removal of rootkits that hide from the running system.
B
Distractor review
Perform a System Restore to a point before the infection
Rootkits often infect the boot sector or system files that are not reverted by System Restore, so this is unlikely to be effective.
C
Distractor review
Disable System Restore and run a full scan in Safe Mode
Safe Mode still loads the infected OS, and rootkits can remain active or hidden, so this method is often ineffective.
D
Distractor review
Reinstall the operating system from a trusted source
Reinstallation is effective but is more drastic and time-consuming than using an external boot disk; it should be a last resort.
Common exam trap
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.
Technical deep dive
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.
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More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
Question 1
A change advisory board (CAB) approved a standard change to update antivirus definitions on all servers. The technician completes the update on a file server and verifies the server is functioning normally. According to change management best practices, what documentation should the technician complete?
Question 2
A company's change management policy requires all server changes to be approved by the Change Advisory Board (CAB). A technician discovers that a critical database server's operating system needs a security patch to comply with a new regulatory requirement that takes effect in one week. The patch has a known risk of causing service downtime. The next scheduled CAB meeting is in two weeks. What should the technician do FIRST?
Question 3
A company is implementing a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policy and needs to ensure that corporate data on employee mobile devices is protected. Which of the following is the MOST important technical control to implement?
Question 4
A company requires employees to present both a smart card and a PIN to log into their workstations. Which authentication principle is being implemented?
Question 5
A company requires all Windows 10 workstations to be able to join an Active Directory domain. Which edition of Windows 10 must be installed on these workstations?
Question 6
A company wants to allow employees to securely access internal resources from home via the internet. Which method provides the highest level of security for remote desktop connections?
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1102 question test?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Boot the system from a clean external drive and run antivirus from there — Rootkits are designed to hide from the operating system and can resist removal while the OS is running. Booting from a trusted external drive (e.g., a rescue CD or USB) bypasses the infected OS, allowing antivirus tools to scan and remove the rootkit without interference. Reinstalling the OS is a guaranteed solution but is more drastic and time-consuming. System Restore and Safe Mode often fail because rootkits can persist in those environments.
What should I do if I get this 220-1102 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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