easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1202 Practice Question: That their web browser frequently redirects to an…
A user reports that their web browser frequently redirects to an unfamiliar search engine and displays pop-up ads even when no tabs are open. What is the most likely cause of this behavior?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the misconception that browser issues are always caused by outdated software or cache problems, when in fact malicious extensions are a common source of persistent adware behavior that updates and cache clearing cannot fix.
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 user has accidentally enabled a malicious browser extension.
The described behavior—unwanted redirects to an unfamiliar search engine and pop-up ads appearing even with no tabs open—is a classic symptom of adware or a malicious browser extension. Such extensions hijack browser settings, inject ads, and redirect search queries without the user's consent. Unlike a simple update or cache issue, this requires a malicious add-on that has been granted permissions to modify web content and navigation.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The browser needs to be updated to the latest version.
Why it's wrong here
An outdated browser version, while a security risk due to unpatched vulnerabilities, does not inherently cause frequent, unsolicited redirects. These redirects are typically a symptom of active malicious software or a browser hijacker that has already compromised the system, rather than a direct function of the browser's age. Updating the browser is good practice but will not remove existing malware that is already causing redirects.
- ✓
The user has accidentally enabled a malicious browser extension.
Why this is correct
Malicious browser extensions are a primary cause of unwanted redirects and pop-ups because they operate with elevated permissions within the browser environment. These extensions can modify browser settings, intercept network requests, and inject scripts to force redirects to advertising or phishing sites. Users often install them unknowingly, bundled with other software or disguised as legitimate tools, granting them the necessary permissions to hijack browsing sessions.
- ✗
The internet connection is unstable and causing DNS errors.
Why it's wrong here
An unstable internet connection leading to DNS errors primarily results in pages failing to load or redirecting to an ISP's default error page, not to arbitrary malicious websites with pop-up advertisements. DNS resolution issues are network-level problems that prevent a browser from finding the correct IP address for a domain. They do not inject content or force redirects to specific ad-laden sites within the browser's rendering engine.
- ✗
The browser cache is full and needs to be cleared.
Why it's wrong here
Clearing the browser cache primarily resolves issues related to outdated website content, display anomalies, or performance slowdowns by removing temporary files. It does not address active malicious processes or persistent browser hijackers that modify browser behavior, such as forcing redirects or generating pop-ups. These malicious actions are typically caused by installed software, extensions, or altered browser settings, which are unaffected by cache management.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.