The answer is to use a cross-cut shredder that accepts optical discs. This method physically destroys the polycarbonate substrate and reflective layer of CDs and DVDs, ensuring that the patient data stored on them is completely unrecoverable, which is critical for HIPAA compliance in a medical office. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of proper data destruction methods for different media types; a common trap is choosing degaussing, which only works on magnetic media like hard drives, not on optical discs. Remember that formatting or deleting files is impossible on read-only media, so physical destruction is the only viable option. A helpful memory tip: for optical discs, think “cut the disc, cut the risk”—only a cross-cut shredder makes the data truly gone.
220-1202 Data Destruction and Disposal Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of data destruction and disposal. 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 disposing of a stack of CDs and DVDs that contain backup data from a medical office. The media are labeled with patient information. Which method should the technician use to destroy the data?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use a cross-cut shredder that accepts optical discs.
The correct answer is to use a cross-cut shredder designed for optical media. Shredding physically destroys the discs, making data unrecoverable. Degaussing does not work on optical media, and formatting or deleting files is not possible on read-only discs.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Use a degausser on each disc.
Why it's wrong here
Degaussers are designed for magnetic media; optical discs use pits and lands, not magnetic fields, so data remains intact.
✗
Scratch the surface of each disc with a key.
Why it's wrong here
Scratching may render the disc unreadable but data can still be extracted from undamaged areas; not a secure method.
✓
Use a cross-cut shredder that accepts optical discs.
Why this is correct
Cross-cut shredding reduces discs to small pieces, ensuring data is physically destroyed and unrecoverable.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Place the discs in a microwave for 10 seconds.
Why it's wrong here
Microwaving discs can damage the microwave and create hazardous fumes; it is not a recommended or reliable destruction method.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1202 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Data Destruction and Disposal — This question tests Data Destruction and Disposal — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use a cross-cut shredder that accepts optical discs. — The correct answer is to use a cross-cut shredder designed for optical media. Shredding physically destroys the discs, making data unrecoverable. Degaussing does not work on optical media, and formatting or deleting files is not possible on read-only discs.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1202 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A technician is tasked with disposing of a large batch of optical discs (CD-Rs and DVD-Rs) that contain archived customer records. The company policy requires data to be unrecoverable. Which disposal method is most appropriate?
medium
A.Use a degausser to demagnetize the discs.
B.Overwrite the discs with a disk-wiping tool.
✓ C.Shred the discs using an industrial cross-cut shredder.
D.Perform a quick format on the discs.
Why C: Optical discs cannot be overwritten (write-once media). Physical destruction, such as shredding or breaking, is the only reliable way to ensure data is unrecoverable. Degaussing has no effect on optical media.
Last reviewed: Jun 19, 2026
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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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