- A
Worm; use a network-based firewall to block port 4444.
Why wrong: Worms self-replicate; blocking the port does not remove the malware.
- B
Trojan horse; boot into Safe Mode and run a full anti-malware scan.
The program is a Trojan that came bundled with freeware; Safe Mode scanning can remove it.
- C
Ransomware; pay the ransom to regain control.
Why wrong: Ransomware encrypts files, not open backdoors.
- D
Rootkit; perform a clean installation of Windows.
Why wrong: While a rootkit may hide, the described behavior matches a Trojan; a clean install is not the first step.
Question 292 of 750
220-1202 Malware Types and Removal Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of malware types and removal. 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.
During a routine security audit, a technician discovers that a user's computer has a program that opens a backdoor on port 4444 and allows remote control. The program was installed alongside a free PDF converter the user downloaded last week. Which malware type is this, and what is the most effective removal method?
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
✓
Trojan horse; boot into Safe Mode and run a full anti-malware scan.
The program is a Trojan horse because it disguises itself as a legitimate PDF converter while secretly installing a backdoor. The most effective removal method is to boot into Safe Mode, which loads only essential drivers and services, preventing the Trojan from running, and then perform a full anti-malware scan to detect and remove the malicious files.
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.
- ✗
Worm; use a network-based firewall to block port 4444.
Why it's wrong here
Worms self-replicate; blocking the port does not remove the malware.
- ✓
Trojan horse; boot into Safe Mode and run a full anti-malware scan.
Why this is correct
The program is a Trojan that came bundled with freeware; Safe Mode scanning can remove it.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Ransomware; pay the ransom to regain control.
Why it's wrong here
Ransomware encrypts files, not open backdoors.
- ✗
Rootkit; perform a clean installation of Windows.
Why it's wrong here
While a rootkit may hide, the described behavior matches a Trojan; a clean install is not the first step.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The A+ exam often tests the distinction between a Trojan horse and a worm by emphasizing that a Trojan requires user action to install, whereas a worm spreads autonomously, leading candidates to incorrectly choose 'worm' when they see a backdoor on a specific port.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Trojan horses often use social engineering to trick users into installing them, and they may create persistent backdoors by adding registry run keys or scheduled tasks. Booting into Safe Mode with Networking (if needed) ensures that the Trojan's process is not active, allowing anti-malware software to access and quarantine files that would otherwise be protected by the running malware. In real-world scenarios, Trojans like this are commonly used in targeted attacks to establish C2 (command and control) channels over TCP port 4444, which is a well-known default for Metasploit's Meterpreter payload.
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.
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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: Trojan horse; boot into Safe Mode and run a full anti-malware scan. — The program is a Trojan horse because it disguises itself as a legitimate PDF converter while secretly installing a backdoor. The most effective removal method is to boot into Safe Mode, which loads only essential drivers and services, preventing the Trojan from running, and then perform a full anti-malware scan to detect and remove the malicious files.
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
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