The answer is to physically shred the non-functional SSD using an industrial shredder. This is correct because a failed SSD cannot be powered on, making software-based wiping or secure erase impossible, and degaussing is ineffective on solid-state drives since they store data on NAND flash chips rather than magnetic platters. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding that SSDs require physical destruction—such as shredding, crushing, or disintegrating—to ensure data is unrecoverable, especially when handling encrypted financial records. A common trap is choosing degaussing, which works for HDDs but not SSDs, or assuming a failed drive can still be wiped. Remember the memory tip: “If it’s dead and solid, shred it instead.”
220-1102 Data Destruction and Disposal Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of data destruction and disposal. 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 tasked with disposing of a failed SSD that contains encrypted financial records. The SSD is non-functional and cannot be powered on. Which method should the technician use to ensure data is destroyed?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Physically shred the SSD using an industrial shredder.
The correct answer is physical destruction, such as shredding or crushing the SSD. Because the SSD is non-functional, software-based wiping or degaussing (which is ineffective on SSDs) cannot be used. This tests knowledge that SSDs require different destruction methods than HDDs.
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.
✗
Use a degausser on the SSD.
Why it's wrong here
Degaussing is ineffective on SSDs because they use flash memory, not magnetic platters; it may also damage the device without erasing data.
✗
Perform a secure erase command via SATA interface.
Why it's wrong here
The SSD is non-functional and cannot be powered on, so a secure erase command cannot be executed.
✓
Physically shred the SSD using an industrial shredder.
Why this is correct
Physical destruction ensures the NAND chips are broken into small pieces, making data recovery impossible.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Overwrite the SSD with a data wiping tool on another computer.
Why it's wrong here
The SSD cannot be accessed or connected because it is non-functional; overwriting is not possible.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The SSD is non-functional and cannot be powered on, so a secure erase command cannot be executed.
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.
Data Destruction and Disposal — This question tests Data Destruction and Disposal — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Physically shred the SSD using an industrial shredder. — The correct answer is physical destruction, such as shredding or crushing the SSD. Because the SSD is non-functional, software-based wiping or degaussing (which is ineffective on SSDs) cannot be used. This tests knowledge that SSDs require different destruction methods than HDDs.
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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Question Discussion
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