The answer is to enable MAC address filtering on the network switch or router. This logical security control works by checking each device’s unique Media Access Control (MAC) address—the hardware ID burned into its network interface—against an allowlist, granting access only to authorized laptops. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of basic network access controls versus stronger methods like 802.1X or certificate-based authentication; a common trap is confusing MAC filtering with physical security or IP-based restrictions. Remember that MAC addresses can be spoofed, so this is a lightweight, not a high-security, solution. Memory tip: think “MAC = Machine Access Card”—it’s like a bouncer checking IDs at the door, but the IDs can be faked.
220-1102 Logical Security Concepts Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of logical security concepts. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 small business wants to ensure that only authorized employees can access the file server from their laptops. Each laptop has a unique hardware ID. Which logical security method should be implemented to enforce this restriction?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enable MAC address filtering on the network switch or router.
MAC address filtering restricts network access based on the unique hardware identifier of a device's network interface. This is a simple logical security control that can be applied at the network level to allow only known laptops. It is not as strong as certificate-based authentication but directly addresses the requirement.
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.
✗
Require a complex password for the file server share.
Why it's wrong here
Passwords authenticate users, not devices; any user with credentials could access from any laptop.
✓
Enable MAC address filtering on the network switch or router.
Why this is correct
MAC filtering ties access to the specific hardware addresses of the laptops, meeting the requirement.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Install a host-based firewall on each laptop.
Why it's wrong here
Host firewalls protect the laptop itself but do not control which devices can reach the file server.
✗
Disable the guest account on the file server.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling guest accounts prevents anonymous access but does not restrict access to specific laptops.
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.
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.
Logical Security Concepts — This question tests Logical Security Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable MAC address filtering on the network switch or router. — MAC address filtering restricts network access based on the unique hardware identifier of a device's network interface. This is a simple logical security control that can be applied at the network level to allow only known laptops. It is not as strong as certificate-based authentication but directly addresses the requirement.
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.
About these practice questions
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These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A small business wants to ensure that only authorized employees can access the file server from their laptops. Each laptop has a unique MAC address. Which security measure should be implemented on the network switch?
easy
A.Disable SSID broadcast
B.Enable WPA3 encryption
✓ C.Configure MAC filtering
D.Change the default admin password
Why C: MAC address filtering restricts network access to devices with approved MAC addresses, providing a basic layer of security. This is a simple way to allow only specific laptops to connect to the file server.
Last reviewed: Jun 19, 2026
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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.
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