- A
NTFS permissions set to 'Read-only' for all users.
Why wrong: This would block all writes, including legitimate user saves, not just ransomware.
- B
AppLocker with a deny rule for unknown executables.
Why wrong: AppLocker can block execution but does not protect files from being modified by allowed apps.
- C
Controlled Folder Access
This feature specifically protects folders from unauthorized apps, including ransomware.
- D
BitLocker with TPM protection
Why wrong: BitLocker encrypts the drive but does not prevent file modification by running processes.
Question 414 of 750
Controlled Folder Access: Blocking Ransomware from Modifying User Files
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of windows security settings. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 Windows 11 workstation is infected with ransomware that encrypted user files. The IT security team wants to prevent future infections by restricting which processes can modify files in user profile folders. Which Windows security feature can enforce such restrictions without third-party software?
Quick Answer
The answer is Controlled Folder Access, a Windows security feature that blocks ransomware from modifying user files by restricting which processes can write to protected folders like Documents and Pictures. This works by maintaining a trusted app list; any unauthorized program attempting to encrypt or alter files in these folders is automatically denied, preventing the encryption chain ransomware relies on. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this concept tests your understanding of Windows Defender Exploit Guard’s ransomware protection settings, often appearing as a scenario where you must choose the native solution over third-party tools. A common trap is confusing it with simple file permissions or BitLocker, but Controlled Folder Access is specifically designed to block untrusted processes, not just encrypt data. Memory tip: think “CFA = Can’t Fool Apps”—only pre-approved programs get past the folder guard.
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
✓
Controlled Folder Access
Controlled Folder Access (CFA) is a Windows Defender Exploit Guard feature that restricts which applications can modify files in protected folders, such as user profile directories. By default, CFA blocks untrusted or unknown processes from writing to or encrypting files in these folders, directly preventing ransomware from encrypting user data without requiring third-party software.
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.
- ✗
NTFS permissions set to 'Read-only' for all users.
Why it's wrong here
This would block all writes, including legitimate user saves, not just ransomware.
- ✗
AppLocker with a deny rule for unknown executables.
Why it's wrong here
AppLocker can block execution but does not protect files from being modified by allowed apps.
- ✓
Controlled Folder Access
Why this is correct
This feature specifically protects folders from unauthorized apps, including ransomware.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
BitLocker with TPM protection
Why it's wrong here
BitLocker encrypts the drive but does not prevent file modification by running processes.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse AppLocker's application control with file-level write restrictions, assuming that blocking unknown executables from running is equivalent to preventing file modification, but AppLocker does not control file system operations after execution.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Controlled Folder Access works by hooking into the Windows file system and evaluating each write request against a whitelist of trusted applications (based on file reputation, digital signatures, or administrator-defined policies). When a ransomware process attempts to encrypt files, CFA denies the write operation and logs the event in the Windows Event Log under Microsoft-Windows-Windows Defender/Operational. In a real-world scenario, if a user accidentally runs a ransomware executable that is not on the trusted list, CFA will block its file modification attempts while still allowing legitimate applications like Office or browsers to save files normally.
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 security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
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
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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: Controlled Folder Access — Controlled Folder Access (CFA) is a Windows Defender Exploit Guard feature that restricts which applications can modify files in protected folders, such as user profile directories. By default, CFA blocks untrusted or unknown processes from writing to or encrypting files in these folders, directly preventing ransomware from encrypting user data without requiring third-party software.
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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