The answer is to disable network shares and isolate infected workstations from the network. This is the most effective worm containment strategy because a worm that spreads via network shares relies on accessible shared folders to copy itself from one system to another; by disabling those shares and cutting the infected machines off the network, you immediately break the propagation chain. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of network segmentation as a first-response containment step, often appearing alongside a malicious file like ‘svch0st.exe’ in the Startup folder to mimic a real SMB-based worm. A common trap is jumping to patching the SMB vulnerability first, but the exam emphasizes that containment—stopping the spread—takes priority over remediation. Memory tip: think “Cut the cords before you patch the holes”—shares off, network unplugged, then fix the exploit.
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 technician is investigating a security incident where multiple workstations on the same network are showing signs of infection: slow performance, unusual network traffic, and the presence of a file named 'svch0st.exe' in the Startup folder. The technician suspects a worm that spreads through network shares. What is the most effective containment strategy?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Disable network shares and isolate infected workstations from the network.
A worm that spreads via network shares requires immediate network segmentation to stop propagation. Disabling the network shares on all workstations and isolating infected systems from the network prevents the worm from reaching other devices. Patching the vulnerability used for spread (e.g., SMB) is also critical, but containment is the priority.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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 on all workstations simultaneously.
Why it's wrong here
Running scans while the worm is actively spreading may not stop the propagation; containment must come first.
✓
Disable network shares and isolate infected workstations from the network.
Why this is correct
This stops the worm from spreading via file shares and prevents further infection.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Update the antivirus definitions on one workstation and scan it.
Why it's wrong here
Updating definitions is helpful but does not contain the spread; the worm can still infect other machines.
✗
Reboot all workstations into Safe Mode with Networking.
Why it's wrong here
Safe Mode with Networking still allows network access, so the worm could continue spreading.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1202 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Malware Types and Removal — This question tests Malware Types and Removal — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Disable network shares and isolate infected workstations from the network. — A worm that spreads via network shares requires immediate network segmentation to stop propagation. Disabling the network shares on all workstations and isolating infected systems from the network prevents the worm from reaching other devices. Patching the vulnerability used for spread (e.g., SMB) is also critical, but containment is the priority.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1202 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Question Discussion
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