- A
Overwrite the tapes with a bulk eraser or degausser.
A degausser designed for tape will destroy the magnetic data, making recovery impossible, and is a standard method for tape disposal.
- B
Perform a quick format of the tapes using a tape drive.
Why wrong: Quick formatting only rewrites the tape header; data remains on the tape and can be recovered.
- C
Reuse the tapes for non-sensitive data after deleting the files.
Why wrong: Deleting files on tape does not erase the underlying data; it only marks the space as available.
- D
Burn the tapes in an industrial incinerator.
Why wrong: Incineration is effective but not practical for most organizations due to environmental regulations and cost; degaussing is preferred.
Question 248 of 750
220-1202 Data Destruction and Disposal Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of data destruction and disposal. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. 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.
An organization is moving to a cloud-based system and needs to dispose of several tape backup cartridges that contain years of financial data. The tapes are LTO-5 and are still readable. Which destruction method is most appropriate?
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
✓
Overwrite the tapes with a bulk eraser or degausser.
A degausser or bulk eraser generates a powerful magnetic field that disrupts the magnetic domains on the LTO-5 tape media, rendering the previously stored data unrecoverable. This method is the most appropriate for LTO-5 tapes because it physically destroys the magnetic encoding without requiring a compatible tape drive, and it is faster and more reliable than attempting to overwrite the entire tape. For secure disposal of magnetic media containing sensitive financial data, degaussing is the industry-standard approach when physical destruction is not mandated.
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.
- ✓
Overwrite the tapes with a bulk eraser or degausser.
Why this is correct
A degausser designed for tape will destroy the magnetic data, making recovery impossible, and is a standard method for tape disposal.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Perform a quick format of the tapes using a tape drive.
Why it's wrong here
Quick formatting only rewrites the tape header; data remains on the tape and can be recovered.
- ✗
Reuse the tapes for non-sensitive data after deleting the files.
Why it's wrong here
Deleting files on tape does not erase the underlying data; it only marks the space as available.
- ✗
Burn the tapes in an industrial incinerator.
Why it's wrong here
Incineration is effective but not practical for most organizations due to environmental regulations and cost; degaussing is preferred.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA A+ often tests the misconception that a quick format or file deletion is sufficient for secure data destruction on magnetic media, when in fact only degaussing or physical destruction ensures the data is irrecoverable.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
LTO-5 tape cartridges use linear serpentine recording with a magnetic coercivity typically around 2,000 Oersteds, requiring a degausser that generates a field of at least 4,000 Oersteds to ensure complete erasure. A degausser works by applying a rapidly alternating magnetic field that decays to zero, randomizing the magnetic domains and eliminating any remnant magnetization. In practice, degaussing renders the tape's servo patterns unreadable, making the tape unusable for future recording, which is acceptable when the goal is disposal rather than reuse.
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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Data Destruction and Disposal — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Data Destruction and Disposal — This question tests Data Destruction and Disposal — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Overwrite the tapes with a bulk eraser or degausser. — A degausser or bulk eraser generates a powerful magnetic field that disrupts the magnetic domains on the LTO-5 tape media, rendering the previously stored data unrecoverable. This method is the most appropriate for LTO-5 tapes because it physically destroys the magnetic encoding without requiring a compatible tape drive, and it is faster and more reliable than attempting to overwrite the entire tape. For secure disposal of magnetic media containing sensitive financial data, degaussing is the industry-standard approach when physical destruction is not mandated.
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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