The correct answer is to use a digital signature to sign the script and enforce an execution policy. This works because a digital signature cryptographically binds the script’s content to its author; if an attacker modifies even a single character of the script, the signature becomes invalid. The execution policy, when set to AllSigned or RemoteSigned, then blocks the tampered script from running, preventing the malicious commands from executing. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how execution policies enforce script integrity, often appearing as a contrast to simple file permissions or antivirus solutions—a common trap is assuming read-only permissions alone would stop the attack. Remember the mnemonic “Sign to Shine”: a valid signature proves the script hasn’t been shadowed by tampering, and the policy enforces that shine.
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 security incident occurred where an attacker modified a PowerShell script on a file server to include malicious commands. The script is executed daily by a scheduled task. Which scripting security best practice could have prevented this attack?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use a digital signature to sign the script and enforce execution policy
Option C is correct because enforcing an execution policy that requires scripts to be digitally signed ensures that only scripts signed by a trusted publisher can run. If the attacker modified the script, the digital signature would become invalid, and the execution policy would block the script from running, preventing the malicious commands from executing.
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.
✗
Store the script in a hidden folder
Why it's wrong here
Hidden folders are easily discovered and do not prevent modification.
✗
Set the script file to read-only
Why it's wrong here
Read-only can be bypassed by an attacker with write permissions; it is not a strong security control.
✓
Use a digital signature to sign the script and enforce execution policy
Why this is correct
Signing ensures integrity; if the script is modified, the signature becomes invalid and execution is blocked.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Compile the script into an executable
Why it's wrong here
Compiling does not prevent modification; an attacker could still replace the executable.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often choose 'Set the script file to read-only' because they think file permissions alone are sufficient, but Cisco tests that integrity verification (via digital signatures) is the only way to detect unauthorized modifications in a script that is executed automatically.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
PowerShell's execution policy (e.g., AllSigned or RemoteSigned) uses digital signatures based on Authenticode, which relies on a certificate chain to verify the script's publisher and integrity. When a script is signed, a hash of the script is encrypted with the signer's private key; any modification breaks the hash, causing PowerShell to reject the script even if the file is renamed or moved. In a real-world scenario, an attacker who gains write access to the file server could still modify a signed script, but the execution policy would block it, forcing the attacker to either steal the signing certificate or disable the policy, which would generate security logs.
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 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.
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: Use a digital signature to sign the script and enforce execution policy — Option C is correct because enforcing an execution policy that requires scripts to be digitally signed ensures that only scripts signed by a trusted publisher can run. If the attacker modified the script, the digital signature would become invalid, and the execution policy would block the script from running, preventing the malicious commands from executing.
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: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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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