The correct next step is to run a second opinion malware scanner such as Malwarebytes. This is necessary because a Trojan horse often acts as a downloader, silently installing additional payloads like backdoors, keyloggers, or rootkits that a primary antivirus may miss after the initial removal. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of layered malware removal—specifically that a single scan is rarely sufficient when suspicious network activity persists. A common trap is to jump to reimaging the system or simply resetting browser settings, but the exam emphasizes that a second opinion scanner targets hidden remnants that evade signature-based detection. Remember the memory tip: “One scan can’t catch all the spawn; run a second to find what’s withdrawn.”
220-1202 Malware Types and Removal Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of malware types and removal. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 tasked with removing malware from a Windows 10 computer that has a Trojan horse that downloaded additional payloads. The technician has already run a full antivirus scan and removed the Trojan, but the computer still exhibits suspicious network activity. What should the technician do next?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Run a second opinion malware scanner such as Malwarebytes.
After removing the initial malware, additional payloads or backdoors may remain. Running a second opinion scanner like Malwarebytes can detect remnants that the primary antivirus missed. Reimaging is drastic if not yet necessary, and resetting the browser or disabling startup items may not address hidden threats.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Reimage the computer immediately.
Why it's wrong here
Reimaging is a last resort; first, attempt further scans to avoid unnecessary downtime.
✓
Run a second opinion malware scanner such as Malwarebytes.
Why this is correct
A second scanner can find residual malware or backdoors that the primary tool missed.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Reset the web browser settings to default.
Why it's wrong here
Resetting the browser may help with adware but won't address network-level threats.
✗
Disable all startup programs in Task Manager.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling startup items may reduce symptoms but does not remove hidden malware.
Common exam traps
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.
Detailed technical explanation
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1202 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1202 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Malware Types and Removal — This question tests Malware Types and Removal — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Run a second opinion malware scanner such as Malwarebytes. — After removing the initial malware, additional payloads or backdoors may remain. Running a second opinion scanner like Malwarebytes can detect remnants that the primary antivirus missed. Reimaging is drastic if not yet necessary, and resetting the browser or disabling startup items may not address hidden threats.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1202 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This 220-1202 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1202 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.