The answer is to keep the hypervisor and host OS updated with security patches. This practice directly prevents VM escape malware from exploiting known vulnerabilities in the virtualization layer, which is the primary vector for an attack that breaks out of a virtual machine to infect the host. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of VM isolation and the principle that a patched hypervisor closes the security gaps that cross-infection relies upon. A common trap is to focus on network segmentation or Type 1 hypervisors, but the exam emphasizes that patching is the most direct defense against the specific code-level exploits used in VM escape attacks. Remember the memory tip: “Patch the platform to prevent the prison break”—keeping the hypervisor updated seals the escape route from guest to host.
220-1202 Virtualization and Cloud Technologies Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of virtualization and cloud technologies. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A technician is investigating a security incident where a user's virtual machine was compromised. The technician suspects that the VM was infected with malware that spread from the host. Which virtualization security best practice would have prevented this?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Keep the hypervisor and host OS updated with security patches.
This question tests understanding of VM isolation and security. VM escape attacks allow malware to break out of a VM and infect the host. Using a Type 1 hypervisor reduces the attack surface, but the best prevention is to ensure proper isolation and keep the hypervisor updated. However, the question implies the infection spread from host to VM, which is the opposite; the correct answer focuses on preventing cross-VM infection. The most direct prevention is to use separate virtual switches and network segmentation, which is not listed. Among the options, keeping the hypervisor updated is the best general practice to prevent VM escape vulnerabilities.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Enable snapshots for all VMs.
Why it's wrong here
Snapshots are for backup and recovery, not for preventing malware spread between host and VM.
✗
Use a Type 2 hypervisor for better isolation.
Why it's wrong here
Type 2 hypervisors actually have a larger attack surface because they run on an OS, making them more vulnerable to VM escape attacks.
✓
Keep the hypervisor and host OS updated with security patches.
Why this is correct
Regular updates patch vulnerabilities that could be exploited for VM escape, preventing malware from spreading between host and VM.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Assign more virtual CPUs to the VM.
Why it's wrong here
Assigning more vCPUs does not affect security; it only impacts performance.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1202 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Virtualization and Cloud Technologies — This question tests Virtualization and Cloud Technologies — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Keep the hypervisor and host OS updated with security patches. — This question tests understanding of VM isolation and security. VM escape attacks allow malware to break out of a VM and infect the host. Using a Type 1 hypervisor reduces the attack surface, but the best prevention is to ensure proper isolation and keep the hypervisor updated. However, the question implies the infection spread from host to VM, which is the opposite; the correct answer focuses on preventing cross-VM infection. The most direct prevention is to use separate virtual switches and network segmentation, which is not listed. Among the options, keeping the hypervisor updated is the best general practice to prevent VM escape vulnerabilities.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1202 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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