Question 718 of 750

Logical Security Concepts →easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

220-1202 Logical Security Concepts Practice Question

This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of logical security concepts. 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 reports that their workstation is running slowly and they see frequent pop-up ads even when no browser is open. They also notice a new toolbar in their system tray that they did not install. What is the most likely security issue?

Clue words in this question

Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.

Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.

A
A rootkit has hidden itself in the kernel.
Why wrong: Rootkits hide deep in the OS and rarely cause pop-up ads or visible toolbars; they aim for stealth.
B
The system has adware installed.
Adware commonly causes pop-up ads, slow performance, and unwanted toolbars, matching the symptoms exactly.
C
A ransomware encryption process has started.
Why wrong: Ransomware typically shows a ransom note and encrypts files, not pop-up ads or toolbars.
D
The user's account has been phished and credentials stolen.
Why wrong: Phishing leads to credential theft, not on-screen pop-ups or toolbars on the local machine.

Full breakdown with real-world context →

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

✓

The system has adware installed.

Adware is a type of malware that displays unwanted advertisements, often in the form of pop-ups or browser redirects, and may install toolbars or other unwanted software without the user's consent. The presence of a new toolbar in the system tray and frequent pop-ups even when no browser is open are classic indicators of adware infection, as adware often runs background processes to generate revenue through ad impressions.

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.

✗
A rootkit has hidden itself in the kernel.
Why it's wrong here
Rootkits hide deep in the OS and rarely cause pop-up ads or visible toolbars; they aim for stealth.
✓
The system has adware installed.
Why this is correct
Adware commonly causes pop-up ads, slow performance, and unwanted toolbars, matching the symptoms exactly.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
A ransomware encryption process has started.
Why it's wrong here
Ransomware typically shows a ransom note and encrypts files, not pop-up ads or toolbars.
✗
The user's account has been phished and credentials stolen.
Why it's wrong here
Phishing leads to credential theft, not on-screen pop-ups or toolbars on the local machine.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword

The distinction between adware and other malware types is a common test point in CompTIA A+. Candidates may confuse adware with a rootkit because both can be persistent, but rootkits are stealthy and do not produce visible ads or toolbars.

Trap categories for this question

Command / output trap
Ransomware typically shows a ransom note and encrypts files, not pop-up ads or toolbars.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

Adware often installs as a browser helper object (BHO) or a system tray application that hooks into network traffic to inject advertisements, even when no browser window is open, by using background HTTP requests or manipulating DNS settings. In real-world scenarios, adware can also modify the Windows Hosts file or proxy settings to redirect traffic, and it may be bundled with free software, making it a common entry point for further malware infections if not removed promptly.

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?

Logical Security Concepts — This question tests Logical Security Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: The system has adware installed. — Adware is a type of malware that displays unwanted advertisements, often in the form of pop-ups or browser redirects, and may install toolbars or other unwanted software without the user's consent. The presence of a new toolbar in the system tray and frequent pop-ups even when no browser is open are classic indicators of adware infection, as adware often runs background processes to generate revenue through ad impressions.

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.

Are there clue words in this question I should notice?

Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.

What is the key concept behind this question?

Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.

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