The answer is that degaussing an SSD physically destroys it and renders it unusable. This occurs because a degausser generates an intense magnetic field designed to erase data from magnetic media like hard drives, but SSDs store data in non-magnetic NAND flash memory cells. The powerful magnetic field induces strong electrical currents in the SSD’s delicate internal circuitry, which fries the controller and memory chips, effectively destroying the drive without actually erasing any data. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of data destruction methods and their appropriate media; a common trap is assuming degaussing works on all storage devices. Remember the memory tip: “Degauss destroys drives—magnetic for magnetic, flash gets fried.”
220-1102 Safety Procedures and Compliance Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of safety procedures and compliance. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 company's security policy requires that all laptops returned by employees be sanitized before redeployment. A technician uses a degausser on a laptop's SSD. What is the likely outcome?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The SSD is physically destroyed and unusable.
A degausser generates a powerful magnetic field to erase data from magnetic media. SSDs (Solid State Drives) store data in NAND flash memory cells, which are not magnetic. The intense magnetic field from a degausser induces high currents in the SSD's internal circuitry, physically destroying the controller and memory chips, rendering the drive completely unusable.
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.
✗
The SSD is completely erased and ready for reuse.
Why it's wrong here
Degaussing does not effectively erase SSDs; it may corrupt the firmware but leave data recoverable.
✓
The SSD is physically destroyed and unusable.
Why this is correct
Degaussing can damage the SSD's controller and make the drive inoperable, but it does not guarantee data erasure.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The SSD is unaffected and still contains data.
Why it's wrong here
While the data may remain, the drive may be damaged; this is not a reliable outcome.
✗
The laptop's BIOS is reset.
Why it's wrong here
Degaussing targets storage media, not the BIOS chip; it will not reset BIOS settings.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume degaussing works on all storage devices, but Cisco tests the distinction between magnetic media (HDDs) and solid-state media (SSDs), where degaussing physically destroys SSDs rather than erasing them.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Degaussers work by generating a rapidly decaying alternating magnetic field (typically 1000+ Gauss) to randomize magnetic domains on HDD platters. SSDs use floating-gate transistors in NAND flash, which are immune to magnetic fields but vulnerable to electromagnetic induction; a strong enough field can create voltage spikes that exceed the gate oxide breakdown voltage (typically 10-20V), permanently shorting the transistors. In real-world scenarios, organizations often use physical shredding or certified SSD erasure software (e.g., ATA Secure Erase) instead of degaussing, as degaussing voids warranties and creates e-waste.
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.
Safety Procedures and Compliance — This question tests Safety Procedures and Compliance — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The SSD is physically destroyed and unusable. — A degausser generates a powerful magnetic field to erase data from magnetic media. SSDs (Solid State Drives) store data in NAND flash memory cells, which are not magnetic. The intense magnetic field from a degausser induces high currents in the SSD's internal circuitry, physically destroying the controller and memory chips, rendering the drive completely unusable.
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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