- A
Clear the browser cache and cookies
Why wrong: Clearing cache removes stored data but does not change compromised passwords.
- B
Run a full antivirus scan
Why wrong: A scan ensures no other malware remains, but does not address stolen credentials.
- C
Reset the browser settings to default
Why wrong: Resetting settings removes the extension but does not change passwords that were already stolen.
- D
Change all passwords that were entered while the extension was active
Since credentials may have been captured, changing passwords is essential to prevent unauthorized access.
Question 616 of 750
Credential-Stealing Browser Extension: Remediation
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of browser and application security. 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 user's browser is infected with a malicious extension that steals credentials. The extension was installed via a drive-by download from a compromised website. After removing the extension, what additional step should you take to ensure the credentials are not compromised?
Quick Answer
The correct step is to change all passwords that were entered while the extension was active. This is necessary because a credential-stealing extension captures keystrokes and form data in real time, meaning any passwords typed into the browser during its active period are already compromised—even after the extension itself is removed. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of post-infection remediation scope, specifically that malware with data-harvesting capabilities requires credential reset as a containment measure, not just removal of the malicious code. A common trap is thinking that uninstalling the extension alone solves the problem, but the exam emphasizes that stolen data is already exfiltrated. For credential-stealing extension remediation, always remember: remove the threat, then rotate the secrets. A helpful memory tip is “Delete then Defuse”—delete the extension, then defuse the stolen data by changing every password used during the infection window.
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
✓
Change all passwords that were entered while the extension was active
Option D is correct because a malicious browser extension that steals credentials has already exfiltrated any passwords entered while it was active. Removing the extension stops further theft, but the compromised credentials remain exposed. Changing all passwords ensures that stolen credentials are invalidated, preventing unauthorized access to accounts.
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.
- ✗
Clear the browser cache and cookies
Why it's wrong here
Clearing cache removes stored data but does not change compromised passwords.
- ✗
Run a full antivirus scan
Why it's wrong here
A scan ensures no other malware remains, but does not address stolen credentials.
- ✗
Reset the browser settings to default
Why it's wrong here
Resetting settings removes the extension but does not change passwords that were already stolen.
- ✓
Change all passwords that were entered while the extension was active
Why this is correct
Since credentials may have been captured, changing passwords is essential to prevent unauthorized access.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the misconception that removing the malicious component or clearing local data is sufficient, when in fact the attacker already has the stolen credentials and only changing passwords remediates the actual compromise.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Browser extensions operate with elevated privileges, including the ability to intercept form submissions and network requests via the chrome.webRequest API or content scripts. A credential-stealing extension can capture passwords in plaintext before HTTPS encryption is applied, then exfiltrate them to an attacker-controlled server. Even after removal, the attacker retains the stolen credentials, making password rotation the only effective mitigation.
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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Browser and Application Security — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Browser and Application Security — This question tests Browser and Application Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Change all passwords that were entered while the extension was active — Option D is correct because a malicious browser extension that steals credentials has already exfiltrated any passwords entered while it was active. Removing the extension stops further theft, but the compromised credentials remain exposed. Changing all passwords ensures that stolen credentials are invalidated, preventing unauthorized access to accounts.
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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