- A
The rogue AP may cause radio frequency interference with the corporate WLAN.
Why wrong: While interference is possible, the immediate security risk of unauthorized network access is far more critical.
- B
The rogue AP provides an unencrypted entry point for attackers to access the corporate network.
An open SSID means no encryption or authentication, allowing anyone to connect and potentially launch attacks or access sensitive data.
- C
The rogue AP will consume additional power from the corporate UPS.
Why wrong: Power consumption is a minor operational concern, not a security risk.
- D
The rogue AP's DHCP server may conflict with the corporate DHCP server.
Why wrong: DHCP conflicts can cause IP address issues, but the primary concern is the security breach from an open network.
Rogue Access Point: The Most Immediate Security Risk
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of wireless security protocols. 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 wireless site survey, a technician discovers that an employee has set up a personal wireless router in their cubicle, connected to the corporate network. This rogue access point is broadcasting an open SSID. Which security risk is most immediately concerning?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"immediately / without restart"Why it matters: Time or reboot constraint — the correct answer must take effect right away without requiring a reboot or reload.
Quick Answer
The answer is that the rogue access point provides an unencrypted entry point for attackers to access the corporate network. This is the most immediate security risk because an open SSID broadcasts a wireless signal with no encryption, allowing anyone within range to connect to the corporate network without any authentication, effectively bypassing all perimeter security controls like firewalls and NAC. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of rogue AP risks and the critical importance of enforcing wireless security policies; a common trap is focusing on bandwidth theft or interference rather than the direct, unguarded network access. Remember the memory tip: “Open AP equals open door”—if the SSID is open, the network is exposed, making it a severe security incident that demands immediate remediation.
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
The rogue AP provides an unencrypted entry point for attackers to access the corporate network.
The most immediate security risk of a rogue access point broadcasting an open SSID is that it provides an unencrypted entry point into the corporate network. Any attacker within range can associate with the open SSID and, because the AP is connected to the corporate LAN, gain direct access to internal resources without authentication or encryption, bypassing perimeter security controls.
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.
- ✗
The rogue AP may cause radio frequency interference with the corporate WLAN.
Why it's wrong here
While interference is possible, the immediate security risk of unauthorized network access is far more critical.
- ✓
The rogue AP provides an unencrypted entry point for attackers to access the corporate network.
Why this is correct
An open SSID means no encryption or authentication, allowing anyone to connect and potentially launch attacks or access sensitive data.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "immediately / without restart" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The rogue AP will consume additional power from the corporate UPS.
Why it's wrong here
Power consumption is a minor operational concern, not a security risk.
- ✗
The rogue AP's DHCP server may conflict with the corporate DHCP server.
Why it's wrong here
DHCP conflicts can cause IP address issues, but the primary concern is the security breach from an open network.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between operational nuisances (interference, DHCP conflicts, power draw) and actual security threats, so the trap here is that candidates may focus on the technical annoyance of a rogue AP rather than the critical security implication of an unencrypted entry point.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
An open SSID means no encryption (e.g., no WPA2/WPA3) is used, so all traffic between the client and the AP is transmitted in cleartext, allowing attackers to sniff credentials, cookies, or other sensitive data. Furthermore, the rogue AP likely bridges wireless clients directly to the corporate VLAN, bypassing 802.1X authentication and any NAC enforcement, effectively creating a backdoor into the internal network.
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 network engineer segments a warehouse floor into three subnets: 20 scanners, 5 printers, and 2 management hosts. Picking the wrong mask wastes addresses or leaves too few usable hosts. Exam questions test whether you can apply CIDR notation, calculate block size, and identify the correct usable-host range for a given prefix.
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.
- →
Wireless Security Protocols — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Wireless Security Protocols 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?
Wireless Security Protocols — This question tests Wireless Security Protocols — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The rogue AP provides an unencrypted entry point for attackers to access the corporate network. — The most immediate security risk of a rogue access point broadcasting an open SSID is that it provides an unencrypted entry point into the corporate network. Any attacker within range can associate with the open SSID and, because the AP is connected to the corporate LAN, gain direct access to internal resources without authentication or encryption, bypassing perimeter security controls.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "immediately / without restart". Time or reboot constraint — the correct answer must take effect right away without requiring a reboot or reload.
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.