The correct answer is to configure a password policy in Group Policy requiring complexity and minimum length. This is the most effective first step because it centrally enforces technical controls—such as requiring uppercase, lowercase, digits, and special characters, along with a minimum length of 8–14 characters—directly blocking weak or reused passwords at the domain level. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of proactive security remediation versus reactive measures like user training or manual resets; a common trap is choosing a password awareness campaign first, but Group Policy provides immediate, enforceable standards across all domain accounts. To remember this, think of the acronym CML: Complexity, Minimum Length—the two core settings that make a password policy strong.
220-1102 PC Security Issue Remediation Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of pc security issue remediation. 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.
During a security audit, you find that several employees have been using the same weak password for their domain accounts. Which remediation should you implement first?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Configure a password policy in Group Policy requiring complexity and minimum length
Option B is correct because the most effective first step to prevent weak passwords is to enforce a strong password policy via Group Policy. This centrally mandates complexity requirements (e.g., uppercase, lowercase, digits, special characters) and a minimum length (typically 8–14 characters), which directly blocks the use of simple, common passwords at the domain level. Unlike awareness campaigns or reactive measures, this technical control proactively enforces security standards across all domain accounts.
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.
✗
Disable the user accounts and require a manager to re-enable them
Why it's wrong here
This is overly disruptive and does not address the root cause of weak password practices.
✓
Configure a password policy in Group Policy requiring complexity and minimum length
Why this is correct
A Group Policy password policy enforces strong passwords domain-wide, preventing future weak passwords.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Send a company-wide email reminding users to choose strong passwords
Why it's wrong here
Education is helpful but not enforceable; users may continue using weak passwords without technical controls.
✗
Install a third-party password manager for all employees
Why it's wrong here
Password managers help but do not enforce password strength on the domain accounts themselves.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the distinction between administrative controls (like emails or account disabling) and technical controls (like Group Policy), where candidates mistakenly choose a non-technical, awareness-based option (C) over a policy-enforced technical solution (B).
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Group Policy password policies are stored in the Default Domain Policy and enforced via the Netlogon service during password changes. The policy settings (e.g., 'Password must meet complexity requirements' and 'Minimum password length') are defined under Computer Configuration > Policies > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Account Policies > Password Policy. These settings are applied to all domain users at next Group Policy refresh, and the Local Security Authority (LSA) validates new passwords against the policy before accepting them, effectively blocking weak passwords at the point of creation.
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.
PC Security Issue Remediation — This question tests PC Security Issue Remediation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure a password policy in Group Policy requiring complexity and minimum length — Option B is correct because the most effective first step to prevent weak passwords is to enforce a strong password policy via Group Policy. This centrally mandates complexity requirements (e.g., uppercase, lowercase, digits, special characters) and a minimum length (typically 8–14 characters), which directly blocks the use of simple, common passwords at the domain level. Unlike awareness campaigns or reactive measures, this technical control proactively enforces security standards across all domain accounts.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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