- A
Ransomware; pay the fee to remove the warning.
Why wrong: Ransomware encrypts files, and paying is not recommended; this is scareware, not ransomware.
- B
Spyware; run a full scan in normal mode.
Why wrong: Spyware typically captures data without displaying warnings; running a scan in normal mode may be blocked.
- C
Rogue antivirus; boot into Safe Mode with Networking and run Malwarebytes.
Safe Mode prevents the malware from loading, and a dedicated tool can remove it.
- D
Adware; uninstall the program from Control Panel.
Why wrong: Adware shows ads but not fake warnings; uninstalling may not work if the malware blocks it.
Question 709 of 750
220-1202 Malware Types and Removal Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of malware types and removal. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 user calls the help desk because their computer is running slowly and they see a fake antivirus program warning that their system is infected. The user cannot close the warning window. Which type of malware is this, and what is the best removal approach?
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
✓
Rogue antivirus; boot into Safe Mode with Networking and run Malwarebytes.
The symptoms—a fake antivirus warning that cannot be closed—are classic indicators of rogue antivirus (scareware). This type of malware mimics legitimate security software to trick users into paying for unnecessary services. The best removal approach is to boot into Safe Mode with Networking, which loads only essential drivers and services, preventing the rogue program from auto-starting, then run Malwarebytes to detect and remove the threat.
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.
- ✗
Ransomware; pay the fee to remove the warning.
Why it's wrong here
Ransomware encrypts files, and paying is not recommended; this is scareware, not ransomware.
- ✗
Spyware; run a full scan in normal mode.
Why it's wrong here
Spyware typically captures data without displaying warnings; running a scan in normal mode may be blocked.
- ✓
Rogue antivirus; boot into Safe Mode with Networking and run Malwarebytes.
Why this is correct
Safe Mode prevents the malware from loading, and a dedicated tool can remove it.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Adware; uninstall the program from Control Panel.
Why it's wrong here
Adware shows ads but not fake warnings; uninstalling may not work if the malware blocks it.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA A+ often tests the distinction between ransomware and rogue antivirus, trapping candidates who confuse the 'pay to remove' demand with ransomware's file-encryption extortion, when the key difference is that rogue antivirus does not actually encrypt files.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Adware shows ads but not fake warnings; uninstalling may not work if the malware blocks it.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Rogue antivirus often uses a technique called 'browser locker' or 'full-screen overlay' to prevent users from closing the warning, sometimes by exploiting the Windows API to set the window as topmost and disabling Alt+F4. Booting into Safe Mode with Networking bypasses startup entries in the registry (e.g., Run keys) and disables non-essential services, allowing security tools like Malwarebytes to run without interference. In real-world scenarios, the malware may also modify the Hosts file to redirect security update sites, so after removal, it's wise to flush DNS with 'ipconfig /flushdns'.
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.
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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: Rogue antivirus; boot into Safe Mode with Networking and run Malwarebytes. — The symptoms—a fake antivirus warning that cannot be closed—are classic indicators of rogue antivirus (scareware). This type of malware mimics legitimate security software to trick users into paying for unnecessary services. The best removal approach is to boot into Safe Mode with Networking, which loads only essential drivers and services, preventing the rogue program from auto-starting, then run Malwarebytes to detect and remove the threat.
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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