The answer is to disconnect the server from the network. This is the correct first step because ransomware often includes worm-like capabilities or uses network shares to encrypt other connected devices; isolating the infected system immediately contains the threat and prevents the malware from spreading across the rest of the network. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of incident response procedures, specifically the priority of containment over recovery. A common trap is choosing to pay the ransom or run an antivirus scan first, but the exam emphasizes that isolation is the critical initial action to limit damage. Remember the mnemonic “ICE” for ransomware: Isolate, Contain, then Evaluate.
220-1102 Malware Types and Removal Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of malware types and removal. 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 small business owner calls for support because all of their files on the server have been renamed with a .encrypted extension, and a text file named 'README_TO_DECRYPT.txt' appears on the desktop demanding a Bitcoin payment. What is the first step the technician should take?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Disconnect the server from the network.
The first step in a ransomware incident is to isolate the infected system from the network to prevent the malware from spreading to other devices. Paying the ransom is discouraged as it does not guarantee data recovery and funds criminal activity. After isolation, the technician can assess the damage and attempt recovery from backups.
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.
✗
Pay the ransom to get the decryption key immediately.
Why it's wrong here
Paying the ransom is not recommended because it encourages further attacks and may not result in data recovery.
✓
Disconnect the server from the network.
Why this is correct
Disconnecting the server stops the ransomware from encrypting additional files and spreading to other systems.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Run a full antivirus scan on the server.
Why it's wrong here
Running a scan is important but should be done after isolation to avoid further damage; it is not the first step.
✗
Restore files from a recent backup immediately.
Why it's wrong here
Restoring from backup is a recovery step, but the system must first be isolated to prevent re-infection.
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.
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: Disconnect the server from the network. — The first step in a ransomware incident is to isolate the infected system from the network to prevent the malware from spreading to other devices. Paying the ransom is discouraged as it does not guarantee data recovery and funds criminal activity. After isolation, the technician can assess the damage and attempt recovery from backups.
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: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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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. During a security incident, a user's files have been renamed with a '.encrypted' extension, and a ransom note demands Bitcoin to restore them. The user has no backups. What is the most appropriate immediate action?
easy
A.Pay the ransom to regain access quickly.
✓ B.Disconnect the computer from the network immediately.
C.Run a full antivirus scan to remove the malware.
D.Restart the computer in Safe Mode and attempt file recovery.
Why B: Ransomware encrypts files, and paying the ransom does not guarantee decryption. The correct first step is to isolate the infected system to prevent the malware from spreading to network shares or other devices.
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Question Discussion
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