220-1202 Browser and Application Security Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of browser and application security. 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 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?
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.
The browser needs to be updated to the latest version.
Why wrong: While outdated browsers can have security issues, they do not typically cause redirects and pop-ups on their own; this is more indicative of malware.
B
The user has accidentally enabled a malicious browser extension.
A malicious extension can hijack browser settings, redirect searches, and inject ads. This is a common vector for browser hijackers.
C
The internet connection is unstable and causing DNS errors.
Why wrong: DNS errors can cause redirects, but they do not produce pop-up ads when no tabs are open.
D
The browser cache is full and needs to be cleared.
Why wrong: Clearing the cache can resolve display issues but will not stop a hijacker from redirecting or generating pop-ups.
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.
This scenario describes classic symptoms of a browser hijacker, a type of malware that modifies browser settings without permission. The correct action is to scan and remove the malicious software using an anti-malware tool, as simply resetting settings or clearing caches may not remove the underlying infection.
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.
✗
The browser needs to be updated to the latest version.
Why it's wrong here
While outdated browsers can have security issues, they do not typically cause redirects and pop-ups on their own; this is more indicative of malware.
✓
The user has accidentally enabled a malicious browser extension.
Why this is correct
A malicious extension can hijack browser settings, redirect searches, and inject ads. This is a common vector for browser hijackers.
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.
✗
The internet connection is unstable and causing DNS errors.
Why it's wrong here
DNS errors can cause redirects, but they do not produce pop-up ads when no tabs are open.
✗
The browser cache is full and needs to be cleared.
Why it's wrong here
Clearing the cache can resolve display issues but will not stop a hijacker from redirecting or generating pop-ups.
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.
Browser and Application Security — This question tests Browser and Application Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The user has accidentally enabled a malicious browser extension. — This scenario describes classic symptoms of a browser hijacker, a type of malware that modifies browser settings without permission. The correct action is to scan and remove the malicious software using an anti-malware tool, as simply resetting settings or clearing caches may not remove the underlying infection.
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.
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Question Discussion
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