The answer is a browser hijacker installed via a malicious extension. This is correct because a browser hijacker is a form of malware that specifically alters browser settings—such as the homepage, default search engine, and installed extensions—without the user’s permission, directly matching the reported symptoms of redirects, a new toolbar, and unknown enabled extensions. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your ability to identify common malware behaviors and apply proper removal steps, which include uninstalling the rogue extension and resetting browser settings; a common trap is confusing this with a simple adware pop-up or a system-level virus, but the key clue is the unauthorized change to browser configuration. Remember the memory tip: “Hijack the Home, Hunt the Extension”—if the homepage and search engine are changed, always check the extensions first.
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 user reports that their browser frequently redirects to a different search engine, and a new toolbar has appeared. After checking the browser settings, you find the homepage has been changed and there are unknown extensions enabled. What is the most likely cause of this issue?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
A browser hijacker installed via a malicious extension
This scenario describes classic symptoms of a browser hijacker, a type of malware that modifies browser settings without user consent. The correct answer is to remove the malicious extensions and reset the browser settings. This reinforces the importance of managing browser extensions and understanding common malware behaviors.
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.
✗
A corrupted browser cache
Why it's wrong here
A corrupted cache can cause display issues but does not change homepage or add toolbars.
✓
A browser hijacker installed via a malicious extension
Why this is correct
Browser hijackers often install as extensions and modify settings like homepage and search engine.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
An outdated browser version
Why it's wrong here
Outdated browsers have security vulnerabilities but do not directly cause toolbar installations.
✗
A misconfigured proxy server
Why it's wrong here
A misconfigured proxy can redirect traffic but does not add toolbars or change homepage settings.
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: A browser hijacker installed via a malicious extension — This scenario describes classic symptoms of a browser hijacker, a type of malware that modifies browser settings without user consent. The correct answer is to remove the malicious extensions and reset the browser settings. This reinforces the importance of managing browser extensions and understanding common malware behaviors.
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: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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. A user reports that their browser frequently redirects to a search page they never set, and they see unfamiliar toolbars. After running a malware scan that found nothing, what should the technician do next to resolve the issue?
easy
A.Replace the network cable.
✓ B.Reset the browser settings to default.
C.Update the network adapter driver.
D.Reinstall the operating system.
Why B: This scenario describes a browser hijacker, which is often not detected by standard antivirus scans. Resetting the browser removes unwanted extensions, toolbars, and reverts the homepage and search engine settings, solving the problem without reinstalling the OS or replacing hardware.
Variation 2. A user reports that their web browser frequently redirects to an unfamiliar search engine and displays pop-up ads even when no tabs are open. What is the most likely cause of this behavior?
easy
A.The browser needs to be updated to the latest version.
✓ B.The user has accidentally enabled a malicious browser extension.
C.The internet connection is unstable and causing DNS errors.
D.The browser cache is full and needs to be cleared.
Why B: This scenario describes classic symptoms of a browser hijacker, a type of malware that modifies browser settings without permission. The correct action is to scan and remove the malicious software using an anti-malware tool, as simply resetting settings or clearing caches may not remove the underlying infection.
Last reviewed: Jun 19, 2026
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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.
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