easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1102 Practice Question: A customer is returning a leased laptop that…
A customer is returning a leased laptop that contains sensitive client data. The lease agreement requires that the data be irrecoverably destroyed, but the laptop must remain functional for the next lessee. Which method should you use?
⚠ Common exam trap
On the CompTIA A+ exam, candidates often confuse a quick format with a secure erase, assuming it removes data when it only removes the index. The key distinction is that a secure overwrite (e.g., zero-fill) preserves hardware functionality while making data irrecoverable.
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
✓
Run a secure erase utility that overwrites all sectors with zeros.
A secure erase utility that overwrites all sectors with zeros (e.g., using ATA Secure Erase or a tool like DBAN) renders the data irrecoverable by standard forensic methods while leaving the drive functional for the next lessee. This satisfies the lease agreement's requirement for data destruction without damaging the hardware. Quick formats only remove file system pointers, leaving data recoverable, while degaussing or physical destruction would render the laptop non-functional.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Perform a quick format of the hard drive.
Why it's wrong here
A quick format primarily initializes the file system structure, such as the Master File Table (MFT) on NTFS or inode tables on Linux, and marks sectors as available. It does not overwrite the actual data blocks, meaning the previous user's sensitive information remains physically present on the drive and can be easily recovered using data recovery software or forensic techniques. This method is insufficient for secure data sanitization.
- ✗
Use a degausser to demagnetize the drive.
Why it's wrong here
Degaussing involves exposing a magnetic storage device, like an HDD, to a powerful magnetic field to randomize or neutralize its magnetic domains. While highly effective at rendering data unrecoverable, this process permanently destroys the drive's read/write heads and platters, making the hard drive completely inoperable. Since the requirement is to return a functional leased laptop, degaussing is an unacceptable method.
- ✓
Run a secure erase utility that overwrites all sectors with zeros.
Why this is correct
A secure erase utility, often compliant with standards like NIST SP 800-88, systematically overwrites every addressable sector on the storage device, typically with zeros or a specific pattern, multiple times. This process effectively renders all previous data unrecoverable by standard and even advanced forensic methods, while crucially preserving the drive's physical integrity and functionality. The drive remains fully operational and ready for re-provisioning to the next user.
- ✗
Physically shred the hard drive.
Why it's wrong here
Physically shredding a hard drive involves using specialized equipment to tear, crush, or grind the drive into small, unrecognizable fragments. This method provides the highest level of data destruction, as the platters and components are completely destroyed, making data recovery impossible. However, it renders the hard drive and, consequently, the laptop, completely non-functional, which directly contradicts the need to return a usable leased asset.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
File Systems: NTFS, FAT32, exFAT
Key term
New Technology File System
New Technology File System (NTFS) is a modern file system developed by Microsoft that controls how data is stored, organized, and accessed on Windows-based hard drives and other storage devices.
Key term
32-bit File Allocation Table
32-bit File Allocation Table (FAT32) is a file system that organizes data on storage devices like hard drives and USB flash drives using a 32-bit addressing scheme to track where files are stored.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.