- A
Use a degausser on the SSD.
Why wrong: Degaussing is ineffective on SSDs because they use flash memory, not magnetic platters; it may also damage the device without erasing data.
- B
Perform a secure erase command via SATA interface.
Why wrong: The SSD is non-functional and cannot be powered on, so a secure erase command cannot be executed.
- C
Physically shred the SSD using an industrial shredder.
Physical destruction ensures the NAND chips are broken into small pieces, making data recovery impossible.
- D
Overwrite the SSD with a data wiping tool on another computer.
Why wrong: The SSD cannot be accessed or connected because it is non-functional; overwriting is not possible.
Question 621 of 750
Destroy Data on Non-Functional SSD
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of data destruction and disposal. 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 technician is tasked with disposing of a failed SSD that contains encrypted financial records. The SSD is non-functional and cannot be powered on. Which method should the technician use to ensure data is destroyed?
Quick Answer
The answer is to physically shred the non-functional SSD using an industrial shredder. This is correct because a failed SSD cannot be powered on, making software-based wiping or secure erase impossible, and degaussing is ineffective on solid-state drives since they store data on NAND flash chips rather than magnetic platters. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding that SSDs require physical destruction—such as shredding, crushing, or disintegrating—to ensure data is unrecoverable, especially when handling encrypted financial records. A common trap is choosing degaussing, which works for HDDs but not SSDs, or assuming a failed drive can still be wiped. Remember the memory tip: “If it’s dead and solid, shred it instead.”
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
✓
Physically shred the SSD using an industrial shredder.
The SSD is non-functional and cannot be powered on, so any software-based method (secure erase, overwriting) is impossible. Physical destruction via an industrial shredder is the only reliable way to ensure the encrypted financial records are unrecoverable from a dead SSD, as it physically breaks the NAND chips beyond repair.
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.
- ✗
Use a degausser on the SSD.
Why it's wrong here
Degaussing is ineffective on SSDs because they use flash memory, not magnetic platters; it may also damage the device without erasing data.
- ✗
Perform a secure erase command via SATA interface.
Why it's wrong here
The SSD is non-functional and cannot be powered on, so a secure erase command cannot be executed.
- ✓
Physically shred the SSD using an industrial shredder.
Why this is correct
Physical destruction ensures the NAND chips are broken into small pieces, making data recovery impossible.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Overwrite the SSD with a data wiping tool on another computer.
Why it's wrong here
The SSD cannot be accessed or connected because it is non-functional; overwriting is not possible.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume a degausser works on all storage devices, but SSDs are not magnetic media and degaussing has no effect on NAND flash memory.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The SSD is non-functional and cannot be powered on, so a secure erase command cannot be executed.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SSDs use NAND flash memory, which stores data as electrical charges in floating-gate transistors. Unlike HDDs, they are immune to magnetic degaussing. Even if the SSD's controller is dead, the NAND chips may still contain readable data if extracted and accessed directly; industrial shredding physically destroys the chips, making data recovery impossible. In real-world scenarios, organizations often combine shredding with incineration or crushing for high-security data destruction.
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: Physically shred the SSD using an industrial shredder. — The SSD is non-functional and cannot be powered on, so any software-based method (secure erase, overwriting) is impossible. Physical destruction via an industrial shredder is the only reliable way to ensure the encrypted financial records are unrecoverable from a dead SSD, as it physically breaks the NAND chips beyond repair.
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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