- A
Spyware; remove by running a standard antivirus scan.
Why wrong: Spyware is broad; a kernel-level keylogger requires more than a standard scan.
- B
Keylogger; use a rescue disk to boot and run an anti-rootkit scanner.
A keylogger that operates as a rootkit needs a boot-time scan to bypass its stealth mechanisms.
- C
Ransomware; restore from backup.
Why wrong: Ransomware encrypts files, not intercept keystrokes.
- D
Adware; uninstall suspicious programs from Control Panel.
Why wrong: Adware does not log keystrokes or hide as a driver.
Question 278 of 750
220-1202 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 breach where sensitive customer data was exfiltrated. The only malware found is a hidden driver that intercepts keystrokes and sends them to a remote server. Which malware type is responsible, and what is the best removal strategy?
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
✓
Keylogger; use a rescue disk to boot and run an anti-rootkit scanner.
The malware is a hidden driver that intercepts keystrokes and sends them to a remote server, which is the classic behavior of a keylogger. Because it is a driver, it likely operates at the kernel level, making it a rootkit. Standard antivirus scans may miss it because the OS is compromised, so the best removal strategy is to boot from a rescue disk (clean OS) and run an anti-rootkit scanner to detect and remove the driver without the rootkit hiding itself.
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.
- ✗
Spyware; remove by running a standard antivirus scan.
Why it's wrong here
Spyware is broad; a kernel-level keylogger requires more than a standard scan.
- ✓
Keylogger; use a rescue disk to boot and run an anti-rootkit scanner.
Why this is correct
A keylogger that operates as a rootkit needs a boot-time scan to bypass its stealth mechanisms.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Ransomware; restore from backup.
Why it's wrong here
Ransomware encrypts files, not intercept keystrokes.
- ✗
Adware; uninstall suspicious programs from Control Panel.
Why it's wrong here
Adware does not log keystrokes or hide as a driver.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The CompTIA A+ exam often tests the misconception that any malware that steals data is spyware, but the specific mechanism (hidden driver intercepting keystrokes) points to a keylogger, and the trap is that candidates overlook the need for a rescue disk because they assume a standard antivirus scan can remove kernel-level threats.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Kernel-mode keyloggers hook the keyboard interrupt handler (IRQ 1) or use a filter driver in the I/O request packet (IRP) stack to capture keystrokes before they reach the application layer. Booting from a rescue disk (e.g., a Linux live USB) ensures the rootkit's user-mode and kernel-mode hooks are not loaded, allowing the anti-rootkit scanner to access the raw file system and registry to remove the driver file and its service entry (e.g., via `sc delete` or registry key deletion under `HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services`).
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.
- →
Malware Types and Removal — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Malware Types and Removal practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All 220-1202 questions
750 questions across all exam domains
- →
CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
220-1202 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related 220-1202 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Windows OS Features and Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows OS Features and Tools.
Windows Settings and Control Panel practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Settings and Control Panel.
Windows Command-Line Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Command-Line Tools.
Windows Administrative Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Administrative Tools.
macOS Features and Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to macOS Features and Tools.
Linux Commands and File Permissions practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Linux Commands and File Permissions.
Mobile OS Features and Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Mobile OS Features and Tools.
Virtualization and Cloud Technologies practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Virtualization and Cloud Technologies.
Physical Security Controls practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Physical Security Controls.
Logical Security Concepts practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Logical Security Concepts.
Wireless Security Protocols practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Wireless Security Protocols.
Malware Types and Removal practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Malware Types and Removal.
Practice this exam
Start a free 220-1202 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
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: Keylogger; use a rescue disk to boot and run an anti-rootkit scanner. — The malware is a hidden driver that intercepts keystrokes and sends them to a remote server, which is the classic behavior of a keylogger. Because it is a driver, it likely operates at the kernel level, making it a rootkit. Standard antivirus scans may miss it because the OS is compromised, so the best removal strategy is to boot from a rescue disk (clean OS) and run an anti-rootkit scanner to detect and remove the driver without the rootkit hiding itself.
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 →
Keep practising
More 220-1202 practice questions
- During a Windows 10 deployment, you need to ensure that a specific Group Policy setting is applied to a computer before…
- After installing a new printer driver, a user's Windows 11 computer crashes with a blue screen error every time they try…
- A user reports that their Windows 10 computer is infected with a virus that keeps reinstalling itself after removal. Wha…
- A customer reports that their Windows 10 laptop is displaying pop-up ads even when no browser is open. They suspect a ma…
- A technician is configuring a new Windows 10 workstation for a user who handles sensitive financial data. The company po…
- A technician is responding to a security incident where an employee's credentials were used to access a server without a…
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.