The correct answer is to disconnect from the network and restore files from a verified backup. This is the most effective remediation approach because ransomware uses asymmetric encryption to lock files with a key held only by the attacker, making decryption without that key mathematically infeasible. Disconnecting the infected system immediately stops the ransomware from spreading laterally across the network to other devices, while restoring from a clean, verified backup bypasses the encryption entirely without paying the ransom. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of incident response priorities—specifically containment before recovery. A common trap is choosing to run antivirus software or attempt decryption tools, but these rarely work against modern ransomware and waste critical time. Remember the memory tip: “Isolate, then Restore”—always cut the network cable first, then bring back your files from backup.
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 user calls the help desk saying they cannot log into their Windows 10 workstation because a message claims their files are encrypted and they must pay a ransom. What is the most effective remediation approach?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Disconnect from the network and restore files from a verified backup
Option C is correct because ransomware encrypts files with a key known only to the attacker, making decryption without the key impossible. Disconnecting from the network prevents the ransomware from spreading to other systems, and restoring from a verified backup is the only reliable way to recover the original files without paying the ransom.
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 get the decryption key
Why it's wrong here
Paying does not guarantee decryption and supports criminal activity; it is not recommended.
✗
Reboot into Safe Mode and run a malware scan
Why it's wrong here
While scanning may remove the ransomware, it will not decrypt already-encrypted files; backup restoration is needed.
✓
Disconnect from the network and restore files from a verified backup
Why this is correct
This isolates the infection and recovers the data without paying, following best practices for ransomware remediation.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Run System Restore to a point before the attack
Why it's wrong here
System Restore may not recover encrypted user files and could be ineffective if the ransomware has disabled it.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the misconception that removing the malware (via Safe Mode or System Restore) will undo the encryption, when in fact encryption is a cryptographic operation that persists after the malware is gone.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Ransomware typically uses asymmetric encryption (e.g., RSA-2048) to encrypt files, with the private key held only by the attacker. Even if the malware is removed, the encrypted files remain inaccessible unless a decryption tool is available from security researchers or a backup is used. In enterprise environments, verified backups are often stored offline or in immutable storage to prevent ransomware from encrypting them as well.
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 from the network and restore files from a verified backup — Option C is correct because ransomware encrypts files with a key known only to the attacker, making decryption without the key impossible. Disconnecting from the network prevents the ransomware from spreading to other systems, and restoring from a verified backup is the only reliable way to recover the original files without paying the ransom.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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 user calls the help desk saying their PC suddenly displays a ransom note demanding payment in Bitcoin to unlock their files. They cannot open any documents or images. What is the first action you should take?
easy
A.Pay the ransom to get the decryption key.
B.Run a full antivirus scan immediately.
✓ C.Disconnect the PC from the network.
D.Restore files from a recent backup without disconnecting.
Why C: The correct first action is to disconnect the PC from the network (Option C). This immediately isolates the infected system, preventing the ransomware from communicating with its command-and-control (C2) server to exfiltrate data or encrypt additional network shares. It also stops the ransomware from spreading laterally to other devices on the same LAN, which is critical for containment before any remediation steps are taken.
Last reviewed: Jun 30, 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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