The answer is to disconnect the Ethernet cable and disable Wi-Fi. This is the most effective immediate action because a remote access Trojan (RAT) establishes a command-and-control channel over the network, allowing an attacker to remotely control the system, move the mouse, and steal files. Cutting the network connection severs that link, stopping the unauthorized access instantly and preventing further data theft or damage. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of malware containment versus removal; a common trap is to jump straight to running antivirus scans while the attacker is still connected. Remember the memory tip: “Cut the cord before you board” — isolate the machine from the network first, then clean the infection.
220-1102 Malware Types and Removal Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of malware types and removal. 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 user reports that their computer has been acting strangely: files are missing, and the mouse cursor moves on its own, opening programs and typing messages. The technician suspects a remote access Trojan (RAT). What is the most effective immediate action to stop the unauthorized access?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Disconnect the Ethernet cable and disable Wi-Fi.
A RAT gives an attacker remote control of the system. The immediate action is to disconnect the computer from the network, which cuts off the attacker's connection. After isolation, the technician can run scans and remove the malware. Continuing to work while connected risks data theft or further 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 while the user is logged off.
Why it's wrong here
Running a scan while still connected allows the attacker to continue controlling the system; isolation is needed first.
✓
Disconnect the Ethernet cable and disable Wi-Fi.
Why this is correct
Disconnecting the network immediately stops the remote attacker from controlling the computer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Change the user's password and log off.
Why it's wrong here
Changing the password does not remove the RAT; the attacker can still control the system through the malware.
✗
Restore the system to a previous restore point.
Why it's wrong here
Restoring to a previous point may remove the RAT but requires the system to be offline to prevent re-infection during the process.
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 Ethernet cable and disable Wi-Fi. — A RAT gives an attacker remote control of the system. The immediate action is to disconnect the computer from the network, which cuts off the attacker's connection. After isolation, the technician can run scans and remove the malware. Continuing to work while connected risks data theft or further damage.
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
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. During a routine security audit, a technician discovers that a user's computer has a program that opens a backdoor on port 4444 and allows remote control. The program was installed alongside a free PDF converter the user downloaded last week. Which malware type is this, and what is the most effective removal method?
hard
A.Worm; use a network-based firewall to block port 4444.
✓ B.Trojan horse; boot into Safe Mode and run a full anti-malware scan.
C.Ransomware; pay the ransom to regain control.
D.Rootkit; perform a clean installation of Windows.
Why B: A Trojan horse disguises as legitimate software (the PDF converter) but contains malicious code. This Trojan opens a backdoor (a RAT). Removal requires disconnecting from the network, booting into Safe Mode, and using an updated anti-malware scanner to eliminate the Trojan and its persistence mechanisms.
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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