- A
Perform a single overwrite with zeros.
Why wrong: A single overwrite does not meet the DoD 5220.22-M standard for top-secret data, which requires three passes.
- B
Use a degausser and then reformat the drive.
Why wrong: Degaussing destroys data but also renders the drive unusable, so it cannot be reused.
- C
Run a three-pass overwrite (zeros, ones, random).
The DoD 5220.22-M standard for top-secret data specifies a three-pass overwrite to ensure data is unrecoverable.
- D
Physically destroy the drive with a hammer.
Why wrong: Physical destruction prevents reuse, which is not the goal since the drives are to be reused.
Question 630 of 750
DoD 5220.22-M Standard
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of data destruction and disposal. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 IT manager wants to implement a data destruction policy that meets the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) 5220.22-M standard for top-secret data. The drives are HDDs and will be reused within the organization. Which method is required?
Quick Answer
The answer is a three-pass overwrite (zeros, ones, random). This method is required because the DoD 5220.22-M standard for top-secret data mandates three distinct passes—first writing zeros, then ones, and finally a random pattern—to ensure magnetic remnants are completely unrecoverable on HDDs. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of data destruction standards for drives that will be reused, as degaussing or physical destruction would render the drives unusable. A common trap is choosing a single overwrite, which does not meet the top-secret clearance level. Remember the mnemonic “ZOR” for Zeros, Ones, Random to recall the exact three-pass sequence.
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
✓
Run a three-pass overwrite (zeros, ones, random).
The DoD 5220.22-M standard for top-secret data requires a three-pass overwrite (zeros, ones, and a random character) to ensure that residual magnetic data is unrecoverable. Since the drives are HDDs and will be reused, overwriting is the appropriate method because it sanitizes the media without destroying it. A single overwrite or degaussing would not meet the three-pass requirement, and physical destruction would prevent reuse.
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.
- ✗
Perform a single overwrite with zeros.
Why it's wrong here
A single overwrite does not meet the DoD 5220.22-M standard for top-secret data, which requires three passes.
- ✗
Use a degausser and then reformat the drive.
Why it's wrong here
Degaussing destroys data but also renders the drive unusable, so it cannot be reused.
- ✓
Run a three-pass overwrite (zeros, ones, random).
Why this is correct
The DoD 5220.22-M standard for top-secret data specifies a three-pass overwrite to ensure data is unrecoverable.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Physically destroy the drive with a hammer.
Why it's wrong here
Physical destruction prevents reuse, which is not the goal since the drives are to be reused.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The CompTIA A+ exam often tests the misconception that a single overwrite or degaussing is sufficient for top-secret data, but the DoD 5220.22-M standard explicitly requires three passes for that classification level.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The DoD 5220.22-M three-pass overwrite writes zeros, then ones, then a random pattern, ensuring that even advanced magnetic force microscopy cannot recover the original data. This method is specifically designed for HDDs because their magnetic domains retain residual traces after a single overwrite, and the three passes reduce the chance of recovery to near zero. In practice, some organizations now use the NIST SP 800-88 Clear method for reuse, but the exam specifically tests the DoD standard's pass count.
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?
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: Run a three-pass overwrite (zeros, ones, random). — The DoD 5220.22-M standard for top-secret data requires a three-pass overwrite (zeros, ones, and a random character) to ensure that residual magnetic data is unrecoverable. Since the drives are HDDs and will be reused, overwriting is the appropriate method because it sanitizes the media without destroying it. A single overwrite or degaussing would not meet the three-pass requirement, and physical destruction would prevent reuse.
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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