hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1102 Practice Question: That they can no longer access the internet after…
A user reports that they can no longer access the internet after installing a new software application. The technician suspects the application modified system settings. Which security feature could have prevented this?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA A+ exams often test the misconception that a firewall (Option A) can prevent unauthorized system modifications, but the trap here is that firewalls only control network traffic, not local system setting changes, which is a distinct security function handled by UAC.
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
✓
User Account Control (UAC)
User Account Control (UAC) is the correct answer because it is specifically designed to prevent unauthorized changes to system settings by prompting for administrator approval before allowing software to make modifications that affect system-wide configurations, such as network or security settings. When a new application attempts to modify system settings (e.g., proxy, DNS, or firewall rules) without explicit consent, UAC can block or require elevation, thus preventing the reported internet access issue. This aligns with the scenario where the technician suspects the application altered system settings, as UAC directly controls privilege escalation for such actions.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Windows Defender Firewall
Why it's wrong here
Windows Defender Firewall primarily functions as a network security component, regulating inbound and outbound network connections based on predefined rules. It inspects data packets and permits or denies their passage, but it does not monitor or control the actions of applications once they are running locally on the system. Therefore, it cannot prevent software from modifying local system settings or configurations.
- ✓
User Account Control (UAC)
Why this is correct
User Account Control (UAC) is a critical security feature in Windows designed to prevent unauthorized changes to the operating system. It prompts users for explicit administrative approval before any application or user attempts to make significant system-wide modifications, such as installing software, changing system settings, or altering critical files. This mechanism ensures that even administrators run with standard user privileges by default, requiring elevation for high-impact actions.
- ✗
BitLocker Drive Encryption
Why it's wrong here
BitLocker Drive Encryption is a full-disk encryption feature that protects data at rest by encrypting entire volumes on a hard drive. Its primary purpose is to safeguard information from unauthorized access if the physical drive is lost, stolen, or accessed offline. However, BitLocker does not actively monitor or prevent software applications from making changes to system settings once the operating system is booted and the drive is unlocked and in use.
- ✗
Windows Defender Antivirus
Why it's wrong here
Windows Defender Antivirus is designed to detect, quarantine, and remove malicious software, including viruses, spyware, and ransomware, by scanning files and monitoring system behavior for known threats. While it protects against malware that might attempt to alter system settings maliciously, its function is not to block legitimate applications from performing intended system configuration changes. It focuses on identifying and mitigating threats, not on general application control over system modifications.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Windows Security Features
Key term
Firewall
A firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing traffic based on predetermined security rules to protect trusted internal networks from untrusted external networks.
Key term
Proxy
A proxy is an intermediary server that sits between a client and a destination server, forwarding requests and responses while providing security, privacy, and control.
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JA
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.