The correct answer is to configure an application whitelist using AppLocker. Application whitelisting prevents unauthorized software by allowing only pre-approved programs to execute, while blocking all others by default, making it the most effective security control for this scenario. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this concept tests your understanding of Windows security features and how they enforce software restriction policies; a common trap is confusing whitelisting with blacklisting, which only blocks known threats and is less secure. Remember that whitelisting is a “default deny” approach—if an application isn’t on the approved list, it simply won’t run. A useful memory tip is “Whitelist = Welcome only; Blacklist = Ban only”—for preventing unauthorized software, you always want the welcome list.
220-1202 Logical Security Concepts Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of logical security concepts. 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 configuring a new employee's laptop and needs to ensure that only approved applications can run. The company wants to prevent users from installing unauthorized software. Which security control should be implemented?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Configure an application whitelist using AppLocker.
Application whitelisting allows only pre-approved programs to execute, blocking all others by default. This is the most effective way to prevent unauthorized software installation. Software Restriction Policies or AppLocker in Windows can enforce this.
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.
✗
Enable Windows Defender real-time protection.
Why it's wrong here
Antivirus detects known malware but does not prevent installation of unauthorized legitimate software.
✗
Set the user account as a Standard User.
Why it's wrong here
Standard User rights limit installation to some extent but can be bypassed; it does not block all unauthorized apps.
✓
Configure an application whitelist using AppLocker.
Why this is correct
AppLocker enforces a whitelist, allowing only specified applications to run, directly meeting the requirement.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Disable the Windows Store.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling the Store only blocks one source; users could still install from other locations.
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.
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: Configure an application whitelist using AppLocker. — Application whitelisting allows only pre-approved programs to execute, blocking all others by default. This is the most effective way to prevent unauthorized software installation. Software Restriction Policies or AppLocker in Windows can enforce this.
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.
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Question Discussion
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