The answer is to implement a time-based one-time password (TOTP) via an authenticator app. This method is correct because two-factor authentication for VPN access requires something you know (the password) plus something you have (the TOTP code generated by the app), creating a second layer of defense that remains valid even if the password is stolen. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of multifactor authentication concepts and the specific implementation of TOTP as a software-based token, which is a common exam objective under security best practices. A frequent trap is confusing TOTP with hardware tokens or SMS-based codes—remember that authenticator apps generate codes offline and are more secure than SMS. Memory tip: “TOTP = Time On The Phone” to recall that the code changes every 30 seconds on your mobile device.
220-1202 Remote Access Technologies Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of remote access technologies. 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.
A company is experiencing a security incident where an attacker gained access to the internal network via a compromised VPN account. The technician must prevent future attacks. Which two-factor authentication method should the technician implement for VPN access?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Implement a time-based one-time password (TOTP) via an authenticator app
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a second factor beyond the password, such as a one-time code from an authenticator app. This significantly reduces the risk of account compromise even if the password is stolen.
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.
✗
Require a complex password with a minimum length of 20 characters
Why it's wrong here
Complex passwords are important but can still be stolen or guessed; they do not provide a second factor.
✓
Implement a time-based one-time password (TOTP) via an authenticator app
Why this is correct
TOTP provides a second factor that changes every 30 seconds, making it much harder for an attacker to reuse stolen credentials.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Restrict VPN access to specific IP addresses
Why it's wrong here
IP whitelisting can help but is not a second authentication factor and can be bypassed if the attacker uses an allowed IP.
✗
Enable single sign-on (SSO) with Active Directory
Why it's wrong here
SSO simplifies authentication but does not add a second factor; it still relies on a single password.
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.
Remote Access Technologies — This question tests Remote Access Technologies — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Implement a time-based one-time password (TOTP) via an authenticator app — Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a second factor beyond the password, such as a one-time code from an authenticator app. This significantly reduces the risk of account compromise even if the password is stolen.
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.
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 →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A technician is setting up remote access for a salesperson who frequently works from coffee shops. The company uses a VPN with two-factor authentication (2FA). The salesperson reports that after entering their username and password, they receive a prompt for a code but do not have their token. What should the technician do to resolve this?
medium
A.Disable two-factor authentication for the user's account temporarily.
✓ B.Provide the user with a one-time bypass code from the administrator console.
C.Instruct the user to reset their password and try again.
D.Ask the user to connect from a different network location.
Why B: This scenario tests knowledge of 2FA troubleshooting. The user has a token but does not have it available. The correct action is to provide a temporary bypass code, which is a standard feature of 2FA systems for such situations. Disabling 2FA would weaken security, and other options are not appropriate.
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Question Discussion
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