The answer is enabling PowerShell Constrained Language Mode. This security control prevents in-memory attacks by restricting PowerShell to a limited set of language elements, blocking the use of .NET types, COM objects, and Win32 API calls that obfuscated scripts rely on to download and execute payloads remotely without touching the disk. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this tests your understanding of Windows security features beyond antivirus—attackers often use fileless techniques that bypass traditional signature-based detection. A common trap is choosing Application Control Policies or User Account Control, but those don’t specifically block PowerShell’s advanced scripting capabilities. Remember the mnemonic “CLM = Can’t Load Malware” to recall that Constrained Language Mode locks down the scripting environment, stopping in-memory execution at its source.
220-1102 Scripting Basics Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of scripting basics. 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 security incident occurs where an attacker used a PowerShell script to download and execute a payload from a remote server. The script was obfuscated and ran in memory without touching the disk. Which security control could have prevented this attack?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enabling PowerShell Constrained Language Mode.
PowerShell Constrained Language Mode (CLM) restricts the language elements available to PowerShell, preventing the use of most .NET types, COM objects, and other advanced features that attackers rely on for in-memory payload execution. Since the attack used an obfuscated script that ran entirely in memory without touching disk, CLM would block the script's ability to invoke arbitrary .NET methods or Win32 API calls needed to download and execute the remote payload, stopping the attack before it could run.
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.
✗
Setting the execution policy to Restricted.
Why it's wrong here
Execution policy can be bypassed by running scripts in memory; it is not a strong security control.
✓
Enabling PowerShell Constrained Language Mode.
Why this is correct
Constrained Language Mode blocks dangerous cmdlets and limits script functionality, preventing such attacks.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Disabling PowerShell script block logging.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling logging would reduce visibility, not prevent the attack.
✗
Using a signed script policy.
Why it's wrong here
Signed scripts can still be bypassed if the attacker runs code in memory without a file.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume execution policy (Option A) is a strong security control, but Cisco tests the fact that execution policy is a user preference, not a security boundary, and does not prevent in-memory or obfuscated script execution.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Constrained Language Mode works by setting the System.Management.Automation.LanguageMode to 'ConstrainedLanguage', which disallows the use of Add-Type, most .NET types, COM objects, and Invoke-WmiMethod, among others. This mode is often enforced via AppLocker or WDAC (Windows Defender Application Control) policies, and it can be applied to specific users or processes. In a real-world scenario, even if an attacker bypasses execution policy, CLM can block the core .NET calls needed for reflective loading or Win32 API invocation, making it a critical defense against fileless PowerShell attacks.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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.
Scripting Basics — This question tests Scripting Basics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enabling PowerShell Constrained Language Mode. — PowerShell Constrained Language Mode (CLM) restricts the language elements available to PowerShell, preventing the use of most .NET types, COM objects, and other advanced features that attackers rely on for in-memory payload execution. Since the attack used an obfuscated script that ran entirely in memory without touching disk, CLM would block the script's ability to invoke arbitrary .NET methods or Win32 API calls needed to download and execute the remote payload, stopping the attack before it could run.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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