Question 95 of 750

Scripting Basics →hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

Quick Answer

The answer is using the `-ExecutionPolicy Bypass` parameter when launching PowerShell. This technique works because it tells the PowerShell engine to ignore the system’s execution policy for that single session, allowing any script—including malicious payloads downloaded from a remote server—to run without restriction. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this tests your understanding of how attackers bypass security controls without needing administrative privileges or making permanent system changes, making it a stealthy and common method in ransomware attacks. A frequent trap is confusing this with modifying the registry or using `Set-ExecutionPolicy`, which require admin rights; the key is that `-ExecutionPolicy Bypass` is a per-session, user-level switch. Memory tip: think of it as a “one-time pass” for the script—no admin, no permanent change, just a temporary bypass.

220-1202 Scripting Basics Practice Question

This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of scripting basics. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 reviewing a PowerShell script that was used in a ransomware attack. The script contains a line that downloads and executes a payload from a remote server. The script uses a technique to bypass execution policy. Which scripting technique is most likely used to bypass the execution policy?

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.

Question 1hardmultiple choice

Full question →

A
Using the 'Set-ExecutionPolicy' cmdlet to change the policy to Unrestricted
Why wrong: Incorrect. Set-ExecutionPolicy changes the system policy, but this requires administrative privileges and would leave a trace. Attackers prefer a stealthier bypass.
B
Using the '-ExecutionPolicy Bypass' parameter when launching PowerShell
Correct. This parameter overrides the execution policy for that session only, allowing the script to run without changing system settings. It is a common technique used by attackers.
C
Using the 'powershell.exe -Command' syntax with an encoded command
Why wrong: Incorrect. While encoded commands can bypass some detection, they do not bypass execution policy unless combined with the Bypass parameter or other techniques.
D
Signing the script with a self-signed certificate
Why wrong: Incorrect. Signing the script would require the execution policy to be set to AllSigned, but the system policy might not allow self-signed certificates. This is not a reliable bypass method.

Full breakdown with real-world context →

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

✓

Using the '-ExecutionPolicy Bypass' parameter when launching PowerShell

The '-ExecutionPolicy Bypass' parameter when launching PowerShell tells the PowerShell engine to bypass the execution policy for that session only, allowing any script to run without restriction. This is a common technique used by attackers because it does not require administrative privileges or permanent policy changes, making it stealthy and effective for executing malicious payloads.

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.

✗
Using the 'Set-ExecutionPolicy' cmdlet to change the policy to Unrestricted
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Set-ExecutionPolicy changes the system policy, but this requires administrative privileges and would leave a trace. Attackers prefer a stealthier bypass.
✓
Using the '-ExecutionPolicy Bypass' parameter when launching PowerShell
Why this is correct
Correct. This parameter overrides the execution policy for that session only, allowing the script to run without changing system settings. It is a common technique used by attackers.
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.
✗
Using the 'powershell.exe -Command' syntax with an encoded command
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. While encoded commands can bypass some detection, they do not bypass execution policy unless combined with the Bypass parameter or other techniques.
✗
Signing the script with a self-signed certificate
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Signing the script would require the execution policy to be set to AllSigned, but the system policy might not allow self-signed certificates. This is not a reliable bypass method.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword

CompTIA often tests the distinction between permanently changing the execution policy (which requires admin rights and is detectable) versus using a session-level parameter to bypass it (which is stealthy and does not require admin rights), leading candidates to mistakenly choose the 'Set-ExecutionPolicy' option.

Trap categories for this question

Command / output trap
Incorrect. While encoded commands can bypass some detection, they do not bypass execution policy unless combined with the Bypass parameter or other techniques.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

The '-ExecutionPolicy Bypass' parameter works by setting the execution policy for the current PowerShell session to 'Bypass', which means no restrictions are applied and no warnings are shown. This is different from the 'Unrestricted' policy, which still prompts the user for remote scripts. Attackers often combine this with other techniques like downloading the payload via 'Invoke-WebRequest' or 'Invoke-Expression' (IEX) to execute code directly in memory without writing to disk, reducing forensic evidence.

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 junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.

What to study next

Got this wrong? Here's your next step.

Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.

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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this 220-1202 question test?

Scripting Basics — This question tests Scripting Basics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: Using the '-ExecutionPolicy Bypass' parameter when launching PowerShell — The '-ExecutionPolicy Bypass' parameter when launching PowerShell tells the PowerShell engine to bypass the execution policy for that session only, allowing any script to run without restriction. This is a common technique used by attackers because it does not require administrative privileges or permanent policy changes, making it stealthy and effective for executing malicious payloads.

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: "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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