- A
Perform a full format on each drive.
Why wrong: A full format does not securely erase data; it can be recovered with specialized tools.
- B
Use a degausser on each drive and then shred them.
Degaussing erases magnetic media, and shredding physically destroys the drives, ensuring no data recovery is possible.
- C
Overwrite each drive with zeros using a software tool.
Why wrong: While overwriting is effective, it may not be sufficient for all drives (e.g., SSDs with wear leveling) and is not as absolute as physical destruction.
- D
Remove the drives and store them in a locked cabinet.
Why wrong: Storing drives does not destroy data; it only delays disposal and does not meet the destruction policy.
Question 8 of 750
220-1202 Safety Procedures and Compliance Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of safety procedures and compliance. 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 technician is tasked with disposing of a server that contains multiple SAS hard drives. The company's data destruction policy mandates that drives must be rendered unreadable by any means. Which combination of methods ensures compliance?
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
✓
Use a degausser on each drive and then shred them.
Option B is correct because degaussing destroys the magnetic field on SAS hard drives, making data unrecoverable, and shredding physically destroys the platters, ensuring compliance with a policy that mandates drives be rendered unreadable by any means. This combination addresses both magnetic and physical recovery methods, which is necessary for high-security data destruction.
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.
- ✗
Perform a full format on each drive.
Why it's wrong here
A full format does not securely erase data; it can be recovered with specialized tools.
- ✓
Use a degausser on each drive and then shred them.
Why this is correct
Degaussing erases magnetic media, and shredding physically destroys the drives, ensuring no data recovery is possible.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Overwrite each drive with zeros using a software tool.
Why it's wrong here
While overwriting is effective, it may not be sufficient for all drives (e.g., SSDs with wear leveling) and is not as absolute as physical destruction.
- ✗
Remove the drives and store them in a locked cabinet.
Why it's wrong here
Storing drives does not destroy data; it only delays disposal and does not meet the destruction policy.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA A+ often tests the misconception that a full format or software overwrite is sufficient for secure data destruction, but the key trap here is that the policy requires drives to be rendered unreadable by any means, which mandates physical destruction or degaussing, not just logical erasure.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Degaussing works by exposing the drive to a strong alternating magnetic field that randomizes the magnetic domains on the platters, effectively erasing all data including servo tracks and firmware areas. Shredding then reduces the platters to small fragments, preventing any potential recovery from residual magnetism or physical read-head attacks. In real-world scenarios, compliance with standards like NIST SP 800-88 often requires both degaussing and physical destruction for drives classified as 'High Impact' or containing sensitive data.
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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Safety Procedures and Compliance — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Safety Procedures and Compliance — This question tests Safety Procedures and Compliance — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use a degausser on each drive and then shred them. — Option B is correct because degaussing destroys the magnetic field on SAS hard drives, making data unrecoverable, and shredding physically destroys the platters, ensuring compliance with a policy that mandates drives be rendered unreadable by any means. This combination addresses both magnetic and physical recovery methods, which is necessary for high-security data destruction.
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 →
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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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