- A
Enable pop-up blocker
Why wrong: Pop-up blockers stop unwanted windows but do not prevent script injection in the page.
- B
Configure the browser to use a proxy server
Why wrong: A proxy can filter traffic but does not specifically block XSS attacks.
- C
Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers on the web server
CSP allows the server to specify which scripts are allowed, preventing execution of injected scripts.
- D
Disable JavaScript in the browser
Why wrong: Disabling JavaScript breaks most web applications and is not a practical mitigation.
Question 74 of 750
Using Content Security Policy to Mitigate XSS Attacks
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of browser and application security. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 company uses a web application for internal communication. A security audit reveals that the application is vulnerable to cross-site scripting (XSS). Which browser security feature can help mitigate the risk for users while the application is being patched?
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers on the web server. CSP is a browser security feature that acts as a whitelist, instructing the browser to only execute scripts from trusted sources and automatically blocking inline scripts or malicious payloads, which directly mitigates cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of advanced browser-based defenses beyond basic patching—a common trap is confusing CSP with unrelated options like disabling JavaScript or using antivirus software. Remember, CSP is a proactive header, not a reactive scan. For a quick memory tip: think “CSP = Content Script Protector,” where the server tells the browser exactly which scripts are safe to run, buying time while developers patch the vulnerable application.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers on the web server
Option C is correct because Content Security Policy (CSP) is a browser security mechanism that allows a web server to specify which sources of content (scripts, styles, images, etc.) are trusted. By implementing CSP headers (e.g., Content-Security-Policy: script-src 'self'), the server instructs the browser to block inline scripts and other potentially malicious content, effectively mitigating XSS attacks even before the application code is patched. CSP operates as a defense-in-depth layer that the browser enforces, reducing the attack surface for users.
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.
- ✗
Enable pop-up blocker
Why it's wrong here
Pop-up blockers stop unwanted windows but do not prevent script injection in the page.
- ✗
Configure the browser to use a proxy server
Why it's wrong here
A proxy can filter traffic but does not specifically block XSS attacks.
- ✓
Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers on the web server
Why this is correct
CSP allows the server to specify which scripts are allowed, preventing execution of injected scripts.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Disable JavaScript in the browser
Why it's wrong here
Disabling JavaScript breaks most web applications and is not a practical mitigation.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many candidates for the CompTIA A+ exam mistakenly think disabling JavaScript is a viable XSS mitigation, but the trap is that this breaks application functionality and is not a selective security control, whereas CSP provides granular control over script execution without disabling all JavaScript.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
CSP works by sending an HTTP response header (e.g., Content-Security-Policy: default-src 'self'; script-src 'self' https://trusted.cdn.com) that the browser parses and enforces. A key subtlety is that CSP can use nonces or hashes to allow specific inline scripts while blocking all others, which is crucial for applications that require some inline JavaScript. In a real-world scenario, a company might deploy CSP in report-only mode (Content-Security-Policy-Report-Only) to monitor violations without blocking, then switch to enforcement mode once the policy is validated.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Browser and Application Security — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Browser and Application Security — This question tests Browser and Application Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers on the web server — Option C is correct because Content Security Policy (CSP) is a browser security mechanism that allows a web server to specify which sources of content (scripts, styles, images, etc.) are trusted. By implementing CSP headers (e.g., Content-Security-Policy: script-src 'self'), the server instructs the browser to block inline scripts and other potentially malicious content, effectively mitigating XSS attacks even before the application code is patched. CSP operates as a defense-in-depth layer that the browser enforces, reducing the attack surface for users.
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.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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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