- A
It is a rootkit; use a rootkit removal tool from within Windows.
Why wrong: Rootkits hide deep in the OS, but this scenario describes a browser-based scareware, not a rootkit.
- B
It is ransomware; pay the fee to remove the alert.
Why wrong: This is not ransomware because files are not encrypted; it is a scam demanding payment for fake support.
- C
It is a tech support scam; boot into Safe Mode with Networking and run an anti-malware scan.
Safe Mode prevents the scam from running, and an anti-malware scan can remove the associated files and registry entries.
- D
It is a worm; disconnect the network and reinstall the operating system.
Why wrong: Worms spread across networks, but this is a standalone scam; a full OS reinstall is excessive and not the first step.
Quick Answer
The answer is a tech support scam, a form of scareware that locks the user’s screen with a fake security alert and disables Task Manager to pressure a call to a fraudulent toll-free number. This is correct because the malware uses browser or desktop lock techniques to prevent normal system interaction, but booting into Safe Mode with Networking bypasses those restrictions by loading only essential drivers and services, allowing a technician to run an anti-malware scan without interference. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between ransomware, adware, and scareware, with the common trap being to attempt removal in normal mode where the malware actively blocks tools. Remember the memory tip: “Locked screen? Safe Mode’s the clean machine”—if Task Manager is blocked and a fake alert demands a call, Safe Mode with Networking is your first step to run a scanner like Malwarebytes and remove the scareware.
220-1202 Malware Types and Removal Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of malware types and removal. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 troubleshooting a Windows 10 workstation that displays a fake security alert claiming the system is infected and prompting the user to call a toll-free number. The user cannot close the alert window or open Task Manager. Which type of malware is causing this behavior, and what is the best removal approach?
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 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 is a tech support scam; boot into Safe Mode with Networking and run an anti-malware scan.
This is a classic tech support scam, a form of scareware that locks the browser or desktop to trick users into calling a fake support number. The best removal approach is to boot into Safe Mode with Networking, then run a malware removal tool like Malwarebytes. This bypasses the malware's ability to block Task Manager and allows the technician to clean the system.
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 is a rootkit; use a rootkit removal tool from within Windows.
Why it's wrong here
Rootkits hide deep in the OS, but this scenario describes a browser-based scareware, not a rootkit.
- ✗
It is ransomware; pay the fee to remove the alert.
Why it's wrong here
This is not ransomware because files are not encrypted; it is a scam demanding payment for fake support.
- ✓
It is a tech support scam; boot into Safe Mode with Networking and run an anti-malware scan.
Why this is correct
Safe Mode prevents the scam from running, and an anti-malware scan can remove the associated files and registry entries.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
It is a worm; disconnect the network and reinstall the operating system.
Why it's wrong here
Worms spread across networks, but this is a standalone scam; a full OS reinstall is excessive and not the first step.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
Rootkits hide deep in the OS, but this scenario describes a browser-based scareware, not a rootkit.
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.
- →
Malware Types and Removal — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Malware Types and Removal practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All 220-1202 questions
750 questions across all exam domains
- →
CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
220-1202 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related 220-1202 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Windows OS Features and Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows OS Features and Tools.
Windows Settings and Control Panel practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Settings and Control Panel.
Windows Command-Line Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Command-Line Tools.
Windows Administrative Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Administrative Tools.
macOS Features and Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to macOS Features and Tools.
Linux Commands and File Permissions practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Linux Commands and File Permissions.
Mobile OS Features and Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Mobile OS Features and Tools.
Virtualization and Cloud Technologies practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Virtualization and Cloud Technologies.
Physical Security Controls practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Physical Security Controls.
Logical Security Concepts practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Logical Security Concepts.
Wireless Security Protocols practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Wireless Security Protocols.
Malware Types and Removal practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Malware Types and Removal.
Practice this exam
Start a free 220-1202 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Malware Types and Removal — This question tests Malware Types and Removal — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: It is a tech support scam; boot into Safe Mode with Networking and run an anti-malware scan. — This is a classic tech support scam, a form of scareware that locks the browser or desktop to trick users into calling a fake support number. The best removal approach is to boot into Safe Mode with Networking, then run a malware removal tool like Malwarebytes. This bypasses the malware's ability to block Task Manager and allows the technician to clean the system.
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: "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.
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 →
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.