- A
Reinstall the operating system
Why wrong: Reinstalling removes the infection but does not address the root cause of user behavior.
- B
Update all software to the latest versions
Why wrong: Updates patch vulnerabilities but do not prevent users from opening malicious attachments.
- C
Implement a strict backup policy and educate users on phishing
Backups mitigate data loss, and user education reduces the likelihood of future infections.
- D
Disable all browser plugins
Why wrong: Disabling plugins may reduce attack surface but does not prevent email-based ransomware.
Question 15 of 750
How to Prevent Future Ransomware Infections
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of browser and application security. 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 troubleshooting a computer that has been infected with ransomware. The ransomware encrypted files and left a note demanding payment. After removing the malware, what is the most important step to prevent future infections?
Quick Answer
The answer is to implement a strict backup policy and educate users on phishing. This combination is critical because ransomware often enters through human error, such as clicking a malicious link in an email or downloading an infected attachment; technical controls like antivirus can fail, so user awareness and reliable, offline backups form the last line of defense. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of the human factor in security and the limitations of relying solely on software to prevent infections after removal—a common trap is choosing a purely technical solution like reinstalling the OS, which removes the malware but does not address the root cause of user behavior. To remember this, think of the mnemonic “B.E.A.T.”: Backups, Education, Awareness, and Training—the only way to truly prevent future ransomware infections is to beat the human vector.
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
✓
Implement a strict backup policy and educate users on phishing
Option C is correct because ransomware often enters through phishing emails or unpatched vulnerabilities. While removing the malware is necessary, preventing future infections requires a combination of user education to avoid phishing attempts and a strict backup policy to ensure data can be restored without paying the ransom. Without addressing the root cause (user behavior and data resilience), the system remains vulnerable to reinfection.
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.
- ✗
Reinstall the operating system
Why it's wrong here
Reinstalling removes the infection but does not address the root cause of user behavior.
- ✗
Update all software to the latest versions
Why it's wrong here
Updates patch vulnerabilities but do not prevent users from opening malicious attachments.
- ✓
Implement a strict backup policy and educate users on phishing
Why this is correct
Backups mitigate data loss, and user education reduces the likelihood of future infections.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Disable all browser plugins
Why it's wrong here
Disabling plugins may reduce attack surface but does not prevent email-based ransomware.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the misconception that technical controls alone (like reinstalling the OS or updating software) are sufficient, when in reality, user education and backup policies are the most critical steps to prevent future ransomware infections.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Ransomware often uses phishing emails with malicious attachments (e.g., VBA macros in Office documents) or links to exploit kits that leverage unpatched browser vulnerabilities. A robust backup policy, following the 3-2-1 rule (three copies, two different media, one offsite), ensures data can be restored without paying the ransom, while user education reduces the likelihood of initial compromise. Even with updated software, a user who clicks a malicious link can still trigger a ransomware download, making behavioral controls critical.
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.
- →
Browser and Application Security — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Browser and Application Security practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All 220-1202 questions
750 questions across all exam domains
- →
CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
220-1202 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related 220-1202 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Windows OS Features and Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows OS Features and Tools.
Windows Settings and Control Panel practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Settings and Control Panel.
Windows Command-Line Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Command-Line Tools.
Windows Administrative Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Administrative Tools.
macOS Features and Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to macOS Features and Tools.
Linux Commands and File Permissions practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Linux Commands and File Permissions.
Mobile OS Features and Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Mobile OS Features and Tools.
Virtualization and Cloud Technologies practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Virtualization and Cloud Technologies.
Physical Security Controls practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Physical Security Controls.
Logical Security Concepts practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Logical Security Concepts.
Wireless Security Protocols practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Wireless Security Protocols.
Malware Types and Removal practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Malware Types and Removal.
Practice this exam
Start a free 220-1202 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
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: Implement a strict backup policy and educate users on phishing — Option C is correct because ransomware often enters through phishing emails or unpatched vulnerabilities. While removing the malware is necessary, preventing future infections requires a combination of user education to avoid phishing attempts and a strict backup policy to ensure data can be restored without paying the ransom. Without addressing the root cause (user behavior and data resilience), the system remains vulnerable to reinfection.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Keep practising
More 220-1202 practice questions
- During a Windows 10 deployment, you need to ensure that a specific Group Policy setting is applied to a computer before…
- After installing a new printer driver, a user's Windows 11 computer crashes with a blue screen error every time they try…
- A user reports that their Windows 10 computer is infected with a virus that keeps reinstalling itself after removal. Wha…
- A customer reports that their Windows 10 laptop is displaying pop-up ads even when no browser is open. They suspect a ma…
- A technician is configuring a new Windows 10 workstation for a user who handles sensitive financial data. The company po…
- A technician is responding to a security incident where an employee's credentials were used to access a server without a…
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.