The correct first step in malware remediation is to disconnect the computer from the network. This action immediately severs the malware’s ability to communicate with its command-and-control (C2) server, halting data exfiltration, preventing additional payload downloads, and stopping remote control attempts. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this concept tests your understanding of containment before eradication—a common trap is jumping straight to running an antivirus scan or rebooting, which can allow the malware to spread or reinstall itself. Remember that network isolation is the priority because many modern threats are designed to phone home or propagate across a LAN. A useful memory tip is “Cut the cord first”—always disconnect the network cable or disable Wi-Fi before any other remediation step.
220-1102 PC Security Issue Remediation Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of pc security issue remediation. 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 customer reports that their computer is running slowly and they see pop-up ads even when no browser is open. They suspect malware. Which of the following should you perform first to remediate this issue?
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
✓
Disconnect the computer from the network
Disconnecting the computer from the network is the first step because it immediately stops the malware from communicating with its command-and-control (C2) server, preventing further data exfiltration, additional payload downloads, or remote control. This containment step is critical before any remediation (like scanning or rebooting) to avoid the malware spreading or causing more damage.
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.
✗
Run a full antivirus scan
Why it's wrong here
While important, scanning should be done after disconnecting from the network to avoid reinfection or data theft during the scan.
✓
Disconnect the computer from the network
Why this is correct
Disconnecting stops active malware from communicating or spreading, making it the priority first step.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Reboot the computer in Safe Mode
Why it's wrong here
Safe Mode can help with removal but should be done after isolation; it is not the very first action.
✗
Restore from a recent backup
Why it's wrong here
Restoring from backup should only be considered after confirming the backup is clean and the system is isolated; it is not the first step.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often jump to running an antivirus scan (Option A) as the immediate action, but CompTIA emphasizes containment first to prevent further damage or data loss, especially when active C2 communication is suspected.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Many modern malware families, such as Emotet or TrickBot, maintain persistent C2 channels using HTTP/HTTPS or DNS tunneling. Disconnecting the network cable or disabling the Wi-Fi adapter (e.g., via `netsh interface set interface name="Wi-Fi" admin=disable`) effectively breaks the TCP session and prevents the malware from receiving new instructions or exfiltrating stolen credentials. In a corporate environment, this step is often followed by isolating the switch port via SNMP or 802.1X to ensure the infected host cannot communicate even if it reconnects.
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: Disconnect the computer from the network — Disconnecting the computer from the network is the first step because it immediately stops the malware from communicating with its command-and-control (C2) server, preventing further data exfiltration, additional payload downloads, or remote control. This containment step is critical before any remediation (like scanning or rebooting) to avoid the malware spreading or causing more damage.
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.
About these practice questions
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Variation 1. A customer reports that their Windows 10 laptop is displaying pop-up ads even when no browser is open. They suspect a malware infection. Which of the following should you do first to remediate this issue?
easy
A.Run a full antivirus scan while the system is connected to the internet.
✓ B.Disconnect the network cable, boot into Safe Mode, then run a full antivirus scan.
C.Perform a System Restore to a point before the pop-ups started.
D.Immediately reinstall Windows 10 to ensure complete removal.
Why B: The first step in malware remediation is to disconnect from the network to prevent further communication with command-and-control servers. Then boot into Safe Mode to prevent malicious processes from loading, and run a full antivirus scan. This isolates the threat before attempting removal.
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Question Discussion
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