The answer is to implement a strict backup policy and educate users on phishing. This combination is critical because ransomware often enters through human error, such as clicking a malicious link in an email or downloading an infected attachment; technical controls like antivirus can fail, so user awareness and reliable, offline backups form the last line of defense. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of the human factor in security and the limitations of relying solely on software to prevent infections after removal—a common trap is choosing a purely technical solution like reinstalling the OS, which removes the malware but does not address the root cause of user behavior. To remember this, think of the mnemonic “B.E.A.T.”: Backups, Education, Awareness, and Training—the only way to truly prevent future ransomware infections is to beat the human vector.
220-1102 Browser and Application Security Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of browser and application security. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 technician is troubleshooting a computer that has been infected with ransomware. The ransomware encrypted files and left a note demanding payment. After removing the malware, what is the most important step to prevent future infections?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Implement a strict backup policy and educate users on phishing
Ransomware often enters via email attachments or malicious downloads. User education on safe browsing and email practices is critical to prevention. This tests understanding of the human factor in security and the limitations of technical controls alone.
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.
✗
Reinstall the operating system
Why it's wrong here
Reinstalling removes the infection but does not address the root cause of user behavior.
✗
Update all software to the latest versions
Why it's wrong here
Updates patch vulnerabilities but do not prevent users from opening malicious attachments.
✓
Implement a strict backup policy and educate users on phishing
Why this is correct
Backups mitigate data loss, and user education reduces the likelihood of future infections.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Disable all browser plugins
Why it's wrong here
Disabling plugins may reduce attack surface but does not prevent email-based ransomware.
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.
Browser and Application Security — This question tests Browser and Application Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Implement a strict backup policy and educate users on phishing — Ransomware often enters via email attachments or malicious downloads. User education on safe browsing and email practices is critical to prevention. This tests understanding of the human factor in security and the limitations of technical controls alone.
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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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.
Question Discussion
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