- A
Pay the ransom and hope the decryption key is provided.
Why wrong: Paying does not guarantee recovery and encourages further attacks.
- B
Use a ransomware decryption tool from a reputable source.
Why wrong: Decryption tools may not exist for all ransomware variants and are not always effective.
- C
Restore the files from a recent backup after removing the malware.
Restoring from backup is the most reliable way to recover data without paying the ransom.
- D
Reinstall the operating system and hope the files become accessible.
Why wrong: Reinstalling the OS does not decrypt files; they remain encrypted.
Question 570 of 750
220-1202 Malware Types and Removal Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of malware types and removal. 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 user reports that their computer is infected with a virus that has encrypted all their personal files and left a text file with instructions to pay a ransom. The technician has verified the infection is ransomware. The company has a backup policy. What is the best course of action to recover the data?
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
✓
Restore the files from a recent backup after removing the malware.
Option C is correct because the company has a backup policy, meaning a recent, clean backup should exist. Restoring from backup after removing the ransomware ensures data recovery without paying criminals or relying on unreliable decryption tools. This aligns with best practices for ransomware incidents: isolate, remove, then restore from verified backups.
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.
- ✗
Pay the ransom and hope the decryption key is provided.
Why it's wrong here
Paying does not guarantee recovery and encourages further attacks.
- ✗
Use a ransomware decryption tool from a reputable source.
Why it's wrong here
Decryption tools may not exist for all ransomware variants and are not always effective.
- ✓
Restore the files from a recent backup after removing the malware.
Why this is correct
Restoring from backup is the most reliable way to recover data without paying the ransom.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Reinstall the operating system and hope the files become accessible.
Why it's wrong here
Reinstalling the OS does not decrypt files; they remain encrypted.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the misconception that paying the ransom or using a decryption tool is a viable recovery method, when the correct answer is always to restore from a known-good backup after malware removal.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Ransomware typically uses asymmetric encryption (e.g., RSA-2048) to encrypt files with a public key, while the private key remains with the attacker. Without the private key, decryption is computationally infeasible. A backup policy that follows the 3-2-1 rule (three copies, two different media, one offsite) ensures recoverability even if the primary system and local backups are compromised, as long as the backup was taken before the infection and is verified clean.
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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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: Restore the files from a recent backup after removing the malware. — Option C is correct because the company has a backup policy, meaning a recent, clean backup should exist. Restoring from backup after removing the ransomware ensures data recovery without paying criminals or relying on unreliable decryption tools. This aligns with best practices for ransomware incidents: isolate, remove, then restore from verified backups.
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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