The answer is BitLocker with TPM and PIN protector. This configuration enforces pre-boot authentication by requiring the Trusted Platform Module to first verify the system’s integrity, and then demanding a user-entered PIN before the operating system loads. The PIN acts as an additional factor beyond the TPM’s hardware-based validation, ensuring that even if the laptop is stolen with the TPM intact, an attacker cannot boot the drive without the secret code. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of BitLocker’s pre-boot authentication options and the layered security model—a common trap is assuming the TPM alone is sufficient, but the policy explicitly requires a PIN at startup. Remember the mnemonic “TPM checks the lock, PIN opens the door” to recall that the TPM validates system integrity while the PIN provides user-driven access control.
220-1102 Logical Security Concepts Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of logical security concepts. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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's security policy requires that all laptops have a TPM chip enabled and be configured to require a PIN at startup before the operating system loads. Which security feature is being configured?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
BitLocker with TPM and PIN protector
BitLocker with a PIN enhances pre-boot authentication by requiring both a TPM (for integrity verification) and a user-entered PIN before the OS loads. This prevents unauthorized access even if the TPM is present. This question tests the understanding of BitLocker's pre-boot authentication options and the role of the TPM.
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.
✗
Secure Boot
Why it's wrong here
Secure Boot ensures that only trusted firmware and OS components boot, but it does not require a user PIN; it is a different feature.
✓
BitLocker with TPM and PIN protector
Why this is correct
BitLocker can use a TPM plus a PIN for pre-boot authentication, requiring both hardware validation and user input to unlock the drive.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Windows Defender System Guard
Why it's wrong here
System Guard is a security feature that protects system integrity at boot, but it does not require a PIN or directly encrypt the drive.
✗
Group Policy password complexity enforcement
Why it's wrong here
Password complexity policies apply to user account passwords, not pre-boot authentication for drive encryption.
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.
Logical Security Concepts — This question tests Logical Security Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: BitLocker with TPM and PIN protector — BitLocker with a PIN enhances pre-boot authentication by requiring both a TPM (for integrity verification) and a user-entered PIN before the OS loads. This prevents unauthorized access even if the TPM is present. This question tests the understanding of BitLocker's pre-boot authentication options and the role of the TPM.
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.
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Question Discussion
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