Question 1hardmultiple choice
Full question →hardmultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A security technician has reimaged a user's Windows 10 workstation twice using a standard company image, but the machine continues to exhibit symptoms of a rootkit infection after each reimage. The technician has verified that the removable media used to deploy the image is clean and that the network boot server is not compromised. Which of the following is the MOST likely reason the rootkit persists?
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
The rootkit is embedded in the system's firmware (UEFI/BIOS)
Firmware-based rootkits operate below the operating system and are not removed by reimaging the hard drive. Flashing the firmware is required.
B
Distractor review
The rootkit is hidden in the user's profile, which was restored from backup
If the user profile was restored, it could reintroduce malware, but a standard reimage typically does not include restoring user data unless explicitly done. The scenario does not mention a backup being restored.
C
Distractor review
The rootkit is on an external USB drive that is always connected
An external drive could reinfect the system, but the technician would likely check and remove external media during troubleshooting. The question states the symptoms persist after reimage, implying the source is internal.
D
Distractor review
The rootkit is stored in the Windows registry, which is not erased during reimage
A proper reimage reformats the system partition, wiping the registry and all OS files. The registry is on the hard drive and would be destroyed.
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: The rootkit is embedded in the system's firmware (UEFI/BIOS) — Rootkits can infect the system's firmware, such as the UEFI/BIOS, which survives a standard hard drive reimage. Because the firmware is not erased when the operating system partition is overwritten, the rootkit can reinfect the OS after installation. The user profile, external drives, and Windows registry are all stored on the hard drive and would be wiped by a proper reimage.
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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