The correct first step is to scan the workstation for malware and review recent system changes. This is because the scenario describes a pretexting attack where the attacker used a false identity—specifically, a delivery person—to gain physical access to the computer under the guise of checking a shipment status. Pretexting relies on a fabricated story to bypass human defenses, and once the attacker had physical access, they could have installed malware, keyloggers, or unauthorized remote access tools. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your ability to recognize social engineering tactics and prioritize incident response; a common trap is to immediately blame the network or check logs first, but the attacker’s direct interaction with the workstation makes it the most likely vector. Remember the memory tip: “Pretexting plus physical touch means the machine is the first to clutch.”
220-1202 Social Engineering Attacks Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of social engineering attacks. 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.
During a software deployment, a user reports that a stranger in a delivery uniform asked to use their computer to 'check a shipment status' and then quickly left. Later, the user notices unusual network activity. What should the technician investigate first?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Scan the workstation for malware and review recent system changes.
This scenario describes a pretexting attack where the attacker used a false identity (delivery person) to gain physical access to a computer. The technician should immediately check for unauthorized software or connections that may have been installed.
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.
✗
Check the user's email for phishing messages.
Why it's wrong here
While email could be a vector, the physical access incident is more directly related to the unusual activity.
✗
Verify the delivery person's identity with the shipping company.
Why it's wrong here
Verification is good, but the immediate priority is to contain and assess potential damage from the access.
✓
Scan the workstation for malware and review recent system changes.
Why this is correct
Given physical access, the attacker may have installed malware or created backdoors; scanning and auditing changes is the correct first step.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Disable the user's network access permanently.
Why it's wrong here
This is an overreaction; the user may be a victim, not the attacker, and disabling access could hinder investigation.
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.
Social Engineering Attacks — This question tests Social Engineering Attacks — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Scan the workstation for malware and review recent system changes. — This scenario describes a pretexting attack where the attacker used a false identity (delivery person) to gain physical access to a computer. The technician should immediately check for unauthorized software or connections that may have been installed.
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: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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