220-1202 PC Security Issue Remediation Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of pc security issue remediation. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 user calls the help desk saying their PC suddenly displays a ransom note demanding payment in Bitcoin to unlock their files. They cannot open any documents or images. What is the first action you should take?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Disconnect the PC from the network.
The correct first action is to disconnect the PC from the network (Option C). This immediately isolates the infected system, preventing the ransomware from communicating with its command-and-control (C2) server to exfiltrate data or encrypt additional network shares. It also stops the ransomware from spreading laterally to other devices on the same LAN, which is critical for containment before any remediation steps are taken.
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.
✗
Pay the ransom to get the decryption key.
Why it's wrong here
Paying the ransom does not guarantee file recovery and encourages further attacks; it should never be the first step.
✗
Run a full antivirus scan immediately.
Why it's wrong here
Running a scan while connected may allow ransomware to spread; isolation is the priority.
✓
Disconnect the PC from the network.
Why this is correct
Disconnecting stops the ransomware from encrypting network drives and contacting its command server, limiting damage.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Restore files from a recent backup without disconnecting.
Why it's wrong here
Restoring without disconnecting risks re-encryption if the ransomware is still active.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the principle of 'containment before eradication' — the trap here is that candidates may jump to scanning (Option B) or backup restoration (Option D) without first isolating the system, which would allow the ransomware to continue spreading or re-encrypting files during those actions.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Ransomware typically uses a combination of asymmetric encryption (e.g., RSA-2048 for the session key) and symmetric encryption (e.g., AES-256 for file encryption) to lock files quickly while preventing decryption without the attacker's private key. Disconnecting the network cable or disabling the Wi-Fi adapter stops the ransomware from sending the encryption key to the C2 server or receiving further instructions, which can sometimes prevent additional damage if the encryption process is still ongoing. In a real-world scenario, a help desk technician should also consider using a tool like 'net stop' or Task Manager to kill the ransomware process after disconnection, but the immediate priority is network isolation.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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.
PC Security Issue Remediation — This question tests PC Security Issue Remediation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Disconnect the PC from the network. — The correct first action is to disconnect the PC from the network (Option C). This immediately isolates the infected system, preventing the ransomware from communicating with its command-and-control (C2) server to exfiltrate data or encrypt additional network shares. It also stops the ransomware from spreading laterally to other devices on the same LAN, which is critical for containment before any remediation steps are taken.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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