The answer is that WEP keys can be easily cracked using tools like Aircrack-ng, which is the most immediate security risk. This vulnerability exists because WEP encryption relies on the RC4 cipher and a static, 24-bit initialization vector, creating a fundamental flaw that allows an attacker to capture enough packets to derive the key in minutes. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this concept tests your understanding of wireless security protocols and their weaknesses, often appearing in scenario-based questions about legacy network equipment. A common trap is confusing WEP with WPA2, but remember that WEP’s static key and short IV make it trivial to crack, whereas WPA2 uses dynamic key exchange and stronger encryption. For a quick memory tip, think “WEP is Weak, Easily Pwned” to recall that its encryption can be broken with free, widely available tools.
220-1102 Wireless Security Protocols Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of wireless security protocols. 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.
During a security audit, a technician discovers that a company's wireless network uses WEP encryption. The network has been in place for 10 years and still uses the original router. What is the most immediate security risk?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
WEP keys can be easily cracked using tools like Aircrack-ng.
WEP encryption is fundamentally flawed and can be cracked in minutes with readily available tools. This is the most pressing risk, as it allows attackers to decrypt traffic and potentially access the network.
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.
✗
The router may not support modern encryption protocols.
Why it's wrong here
While true, this is a compatibility issue, not the most immediate security risk.
✓
WEP keys can be easily cracked using tools like Aircrack-ng.
Why this is correct
WEP's weak RC4 encryption allows attackers to capture packets and derive the key quickly.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The router's firmware is likely outdated and vulnerable to exploits.
Why it's wrong here
This is a separate issue; the WEP encryption itself is the primary risk.
✗
WEP does not support WPA2-PSK, so clients must use a different protocol.
Why it's wrong here
This is a limitation but not the most immediate security threat.
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.
Wireless Security Protocols — This question tests Wireless Security Protocols — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: WEP keys can be easily cracked using tools like Aircrack-ng. — WEP encryption is fundamentally flawed and can be cracked in minutes with readily available tools. This is the most pressing risk, as it allows attackers to decrypt traffic and potentially access the network.
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.
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Question Discussion
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