- A
Enable Windows Defender Real-time Protection
Why wrong: Real-time protection detects malware, not unauthorized software installations.
- B
Use AppLocker with publisher rules
AppLocker publisher rules validate software by digital signature, making renaming ineffective.
- C
Set User Account Control to Always Notify
Why wrong: UAC prompts for elevation but does not block execution based on policy.
- D
Enable BitLocker
Why wrong: BitLocker encrypts data but does not control software execution.
Question 423 of 750
Using AppLocker with Publisher Rules to Prevent Bypassing Software Restrictions
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of windows security settings. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 uses Windows 10 and wants to prevent users from installing unauthorized software. They have configured Software Restriction Policies via Group Policy. However, a user bypassed the policy by renaming the executable. What additional measure should be taken to enforce the restriction?
Quick Answer
The answer is to use AppLocker with publisher rules. Software Restriction Policies rely on file names or paths, which is why renaming an executable allows a user to bypass the policy entirely. AppLocker with publisher rules prevents this by identifying software based on its digital signature—the certificate from the software publisher—rather than the file name, so renaming the executable has no effect. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of how to enforce application control in Windows 10, often appearing as a scenario where a basic policy fails. A common trap is assuming path rules or hash rules are sufficient, but publisher rules are the only method that survives a rename. Remember the memory tip: “Publisher rules pin the signature, not the name.”
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 AppLocker with publisher rules
AppLocker with publisher rules is the correct additional measure because Software Restriction Policies (SRP) can be bypassed by renaming executables, as SRP relies on file path or hash rules. AppLocker's publisher rules use digital signatures to identify software, making it immune to filename changes. This provides a more robust enforcement mechanism for preventing unauthorized software installation.
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.
- ✗
Enable Windows Defender Real-time Protection
Why it's wrong here
Real-time protection detects malware, not unauthorized software installations.
- ✓
Use AppLocker with publisher rules
Why this is correct
AppLocker publisher rules validate software by digital signature, making renaming ineffective.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Set User Account Control to Always Notify
Why it's wrong here
UAC prompts for elevation but does not block execution based on policy.
- ✗
Enable BitLocker
Why it's wrong here
BitLocker encrypts data but does not control software execution.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the distinction between Software Restriction Policies and AppLocker, where candidates mistakenly think SRP's hash rules are sufficient, but the trap is that renaming bypasses path rules, and hash rules require updates after each software update, whereas AppLocker publisher rules are more resilient.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
AppLocker publisher rules work by extracting the digital signature from the executable's Authenticode signature, including the publisher name, product name, and version range. This allows administrators to allow or deny software based on trusted publishers, even if the file is renamed or moved to a different location. In a real-world scenario, a user might rename a portable application to 'notepad.exe' to bypass SRP path rules, but AppLocker's publisher rule would still block it if the publisher is not trusted.
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.
- →
Windows Security Settings — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Windows Security Settings practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Windows Security Settings — This question tests Windows Security Settings — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use AppLocker with publisher rules — AppLocker with publisher rules is the correct additional measure because Software Restriction Policies (SRP) can be bypassed by renaming executables, as SRP relies on file path or hash rules. AppLocker's publisher rules use digital signatures to identify software, making it immune to filename changes. This provides a more robust enforcement mechanism for preventing unauthorized software installation.
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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