- A
It increases the time required to log on to the system.
Why wrong: While there may be a slight performance impact, the primary risk is not about logon speed but about password exposure.
- B
It allows users to bypass the password complexity requirement.
Why wrong: Reversible encryption does not affect password complexity enforcement; it only changes how the password hash is stored.
- C
It stores passwords in a format that can be easily decrypted, making them vulnerable if the database is compromised.
This is the core risk: reversible encryption allows passwords to be recovered as plaintext, which is a major security vulnerability.
- D
It prevents the use of biometric authentication methods.
Why wrong: Reversible encryption does not interfere with biometric authentication; it only affects password storage.
Quick Answer
The primary security risk is that it stores passwords in a format that can be easily decrypted back to plaintext, making them highly vulnerable if the Security Account Manager (SAM) database is ever compromised. Unlike hashing, which is a one-way process, reversible encryption uses a key to both encrypt and decrypt data, meaning an attacker who obtains the encrypted passwords can reverse them to their original form with relative ease. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this setting tests your understanding of why password storage policies prioritize one-way hashing over encryption; a common trap is confusing this with BitLocker or EFS, which protect data at rest rather than stored credentials. Remember the mnemonic “REV is for REVerse”—if you see reversible encryption enabled, think of it as a backdoor that turns a password database into a plaintext list.
220-1202 Windows Security Settings Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of windows security settings. 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.
During a security audit, you discover that a Windows 10 workstation has the 'Store passwords and credentials using reversible encryption' policy enabled. What is the primary security risk associated with this setting?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"primary"Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
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
It stores passwords in a format that can be easily decrypted, making them vulnerable if the database is compromised.
This question tests understanding of password storage policies. Reversible encryption means passwords are stored in a format that can be decrypted back to plaintext, which is a significant security risk if an attacker gains access to the SAM database. This setting should only be enabled when required by specific applications, such as those using CHAP authentication.
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.
- ✗
It increases the time required to log on to the system.
Why it's wrong here
While there may be a slight performance impact, the primary risk is not about logon speed but about password exposure.
- ✗
It allows users to bypass the password complexity requirement.
Why it's wrong here
Reversible encryption does not affect password complexity enforcement; it only changes how the password hash is stored.
- ✓
It stores passwords in a format that can be easily decrypted, making them vulnerable if the database is compromised.
Why this is correct
This is the core risk: reversible encryption allows passwords to be recovered as plaintext, which is a major security vulnerability.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
It prevents the use of biometric authentication methods.
Why it's wrong here
Reversible encryption does not interfere with biometric authentication; it only affects password storage.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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.
- →
Windows Security Settings — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Windows Security Settings practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
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CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 study guide
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Windows Security Settings — This question tests Windows Security Settings — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: It stores passwords in a format that can be easily decrypted, making them vulnerable if the database is compromised. — This question tests understanding of password storage policies. Reversible encryption means passwords are stored in a format that can be decrypted back to plaintext, which is a significant security risk if an attacker gains access to the SAM database. This setting should only be enabled when required by specific applications, such as those using CHAP authentication.
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: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 19, 2026
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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