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220-1202 Practice Question: During a security audit, you discover that a…
During a security audit, you discover that a user's browser has multiple pop-up windows appearing, even when no websites are open. The user denies installing any software. Which tool should you use to identify and remove the underlying cause?
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
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Run a full scan with Windows Defender or another anti-malware tool
Pop-ups appearing without a browser suggest adware or a potentially unwanted program (PUP) running as a background process. Using Windows Defender or an anti-malware scanner is the correct approach. This tests understanding of adware behavior and removal tools.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Reset the browser settings to default
Why it's wrong here
Resetting browser settings to default primarily reverts user-configured preferences, homepages, and search engine defaults. However, adware often installs itself as a separate application, a persistent browser extension, or a system service that operates independently of these browser settings. Therefore, a browser reset alone is insufficient to remove the underlying adware program that continues to generate unwanted pop-ups.
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Run a full scan with Windows Defender or another anti-malware tool
Why this is correct
Running a full scan with Windows Defender or another reputable anti-malware tool is the most effective solution because these tools are specifically designed to detect, quarantine, and remove malicious software, including adware and Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs). They scan the entire file system, registry, and running processes for known signatures and behavioral patterns associated with such threats, providing comprehensive remediation. This directly addresses the root cause of the pop-ups by eliminating the adware.
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Disable JavaScript in the browser
Why it's wrong here
Disabling JavaScript in the browser may prevent some pop-ups that rely on client-side scripting to appear, but it does not remove the adware itself. Many adware programs inject content or open new browser windows/tabs through other mechanisms, or even run as background processes on the operating system. Furthermore, disabling JavaScript severely impairs the functionality of many legitimate websites, making it an impractical and incomplete solution for adware removal.
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Clear the browser cache and cookies
Why it's wrong here
Clearing the browser cache and cookies removes temporary website data and stored user preferences, which can help with privacy or resolve website display issues. However, adware is typically installed as a program on the operating system or as a persistent browser extension, not merely stored data within the browser's cache or cookies. Therefore, deleting these temporary files will not remove the executable components of the adware responsible for generating unwanted pop-ups.
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JA
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.