- A
A rootkit has hidden itself in the system's firmware.
Why wrong: Rootkits are designed to hide deep in the system, but they typically do not cause pop-up ads or browser toolbars; those are classic adware symptoms.
- B
A worm is spreading through the network, consuming bandwidth.
Why wrong: Worms replicate and consume network resources, but they rarely cause pop-up ads or install browser toolbars directly on a single workstation.
- C
The system is infected with adware that displays unsolicited advertisements.
Adware is specifically designed to generate revenue through unwanted ads and often bundles toolbars, matching the user's description exactly.
- D
A Trojan horse has stolen the user's banking credentials.
Why wrong: While a Trojan could cause performance issues, its primary goal is credential theft, not displaying pop-ups or installing toolbars.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is adware, a type of malware that bombards a system with unsolicited advertisements. Adware symptoms like pop-up ads appearing even when no browser is open and an unauthorized toolbar in the browser are classic indicators, as adware often installs these extras to generate revenue through ad clicks while consuming system resources, which explains the slow performance. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish adware from other threats like spyware or a virus; a common trap is confusing it with a browser hijacker, but adware’s primary goal is displaying ads, not redirecting searches. To remember, think of the “A” in adware standing for “annoying ads” and “added toolbars.”
220-1202 Logical Security Concepts Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of logical security concepts. 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 complains that their computer is running very slowly, and they see frequent pop-up ads even when no browser is open. They also notice a new toolbar in their browser that they did not install. What is the most likely security issue?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The system is infected with adware that displays unsolicited advertisements.
Adware is a type of malware that displays unwanted advertisements and often installs toolbars or other software without user consent. It can significantly degrade system performance. This question tests the ability to identify adware based on symptoms like pop-ups and unauthorized toolbars.
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.
- ✗
A rootkit has hidden itself in the system's firmware.
Why it's wrong here
Rootkits are designed to hide deep in the system, but they typically do not cause pop-up ads or browser toolbars; those are classic adware symptoms.
- ✗
A worm is spreading through the network, consuming bandwidth.
Why it's wrong here
Worms replicate and consume network resources, but they rarely cause pop-up ads or install browser toolbars directly on a single workstation.
- ✓
The system is infected with adware that displays unsolicited advertisements.
Why this is correct
Adware is specifically designed to generate revenue through unwanted ads and often bundles toolbars, matching the user's description exactly.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
A Trojan horse has stolen the user's banking credentials.
Why it's wrong here
While a Trojan could cause performance issues, its primary goal is credential theft, not displaying pop-ups or installing toolbars.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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.
- →
Logical Security Concepts — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Logical Security Concepts practice questions
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CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 study guide
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Logical Security Concepts — This question tests Logical Security Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The system is infected with adware that displays unsolicited advertisements. — Adware is a type of malware that displays unwanted advertisements and often installs toolbars or other software without user consent. It can significantly degrade system performance. This question tests the ability to identify adware based on symptoms like pop-ups and unauthorized toolbars.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 19, 2026
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.
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