The correct first response step is to disconnect the computer from the network. This action immediately isolates the infected system, cutting off the ransomware’s ability to communicate with its command-and-control server and preventing it from spreading laterally to other devices on the same network. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of incident response procedures, specifically the containment phase—a common trap is choosing to pay the ransom or attempt decryption first, both of which are explicitly discouraged by CompTIA. A helpful memory tip is to think “Isolate before you investigate,” or simply remember the mnemonic **D.I.E.** for the ransomware response sequence: Disconnect, Identify, Eradicate.
220-1102 Malware Types and Removal Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of malware types and removal. 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 user reports that their computer is displaying a message claiming their files are encrypted and they must pay 0.5 Bitcoin to a specific address to regain access. The user cannot open any documents or photos. What is the first step the technician should take to respond to this incident?
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.
The first step in a ransomware incident is to isolate the infected system from the network to prevent the malware from spreading to other devices. Attempting to decrypt without tools or paying the ransom are not recommended initial actions.
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.
✗
Pay the ransom to recover the files immediately.
Why it's wrong here
Paying the ransom encourages further attacks and does not guarantee file recovery.
✓
Disconnect the computer from the network.
Why this is correct
Isolating the system prevents the ransomware from spreading to other networked devices.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Run a full antivirus scan to remove the malware.
Why it's wrong here
Scanning may remove the malware, but the files are already encrypted; isolation is the priority.
✗
Reboot the computer into Safe Mode.
Why it's wrong here
Safe Mode may help with removal, but the immediate priority is network isolation.
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.
Malware Types and Removal — This question tests Malware Types and Removal — 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. — The first step in a ransomware incident is to isolate the infected system from the network to prevent the malware from spreading to other devices. Attempting to decrypt without tools or paying the ransom are not recommended initial actions.
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.
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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Question Discussion
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