- A
Trojan horse
Why wrong: Trojans disguise as legitimate software but typically perform backdoor or data theft, not browser setting changes.
- B
Worm
Why wrong: Worms self-replicate across networks and do not primarily target browser settings.
- C
Browser hijacker
Browser hijackers specifically alter browser settings like homepage and add toolbars without user consent.
- D
Ransomware
Why wrong: Ransomware encrypts files and demands payment, not changing browser settings.
Question 130 of 750
Browser Hijacker: Removal and Prevention
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 reports that their web browser's homepage has changed to an unfamiliar search engine, and new toolbars have appeared without their consent. They have not installed any new software recently. Which type of malware is most likely responsible?
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.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is browser hijacker. This type of malware is responsible because it specifically targets and modifies web browser settings—such as changing the homepage to an unfamiliar search engine and injecting unwanted toolbars—without requiring the user to install new software, often gaining entry through drive-by downloads or software bundling. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your ability to identify malware by its symptoms versus its infection vector; a common trap is confusing a browser hijacker with adware or a PUP, but remember that adware primarily displays ads while a hijacker forcibly alters browser configurations. For memory, think “Hijack the Homepage”—if the homepage and toolbars change without permission, it’s a browser hijacker every time.
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
✓
Browser hijacker
The symptoms—unwanted homepage changes, unfamiliar search engine, and new toolbars—are classic signs of a browser hijacker. This malware modifies browser settings (e.g., via registry keys or extension policies) without user consent, often bundled with freeware or installed through drive-by downloads. Unlike other malware types, it specifically targets the browser's configuration to redirect traffic and generate ad revenue.
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.
- ✗
Trojan horse
Why it's wrong here
Trojans disguise as legitimate software but typically perform backdoor or data theft, not browser setting changes.
- ✗
Worm
Why it's wrong here
Worms self-replicate across networks and do not primarily target browser settings.
- ✓
Browser hijacker
Why this is correct
Browser hijackers specifically alter browser settings like homepage and add toolbars without user consent.
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.
- ✗
Ransomware
Why it's wrong here
Ransomware encrypts files and demands payment, not changing browser settings.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the distinction between malware types by focusing on specific symptoms—here, the trap is that candidates confuse a browser hijacker with a Trojan horse because both can be installed without consent, but only the hijacker directly targets browser settings.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Browser hijackers often modify the HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main registry key (e.g., 'Start Page' value) or inject malicious extensions via Chrome's ExtensionInstallForcelist policy. In real-world scenarios, they may also use JavaScript to reset the homepage on each browser launch, bypassing user attempts to revert changes. Understanding how to check browser policies (e.g., chrome://policy) or use tools like Autoruns can help identify persistence mechanisms.
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: Browser hijacker — The symptoms—unwanted homepage changes, unfamiliar search engine, and new toolbars—are classic signs of a browser hijacker. This malware modifies browser settings (e.g., via registry keys or extension policies) without user consent, often bundled with freeware or installed through drive-by downloads. Unlike other malware types, it specifically targets the browser's configuration to redirect traffic and generate ad revenue.
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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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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