- A
Reimage the computer immediately.
Why wrong: Reimaging is a last resort; first, attempt further scans to avoid unnecessary downtime.
- B
Run a second opinion malware scanner such as Malwarebytes.
A second scanner can find residual malware or backdoors that the primary tool missed.
- C
Reset the web browser settings to default.
Why wrong: Resetting the browser may help with adware but won't address network-level threats.
- D
Disable all startup programs in Task Manager.
Why wrong: Disabling startup items may reduce symptoms but does not remove hidden malware.
Question 233 of 750
Trojan Horse Removal: Run Second Opinion Scanner
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.
A technician is tasked with removing malware from a Windows 10 computer that has a Trojan horse that downloaded additional payloads. The technician has already run a full antivirus scan and removed the Trojan, but the computer still exhibits suspicious network activity. What should the technician do next?
Quick Answer
The correct next step is to run a second opinion malware scanner such as Malwarebytes. This is necessary because a Trojan horse often acts as a downloader, silently installing additional payloads like backdoors, keyloggers, or rootkits that a primary antivirus may miss after the initial removal. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of layered malware removal—specifically that a single scan is rarely sufficient when suspicious network activity persists. A common trap is to jump to reimaging the system or simply resetting browser settings, but the exam emphasizes that a second opinion scanner targets hidden remnants that evade signature-based detection. Remember the memory tip: “One scan can’t catch all the spawn; run a second to find what’s withdrawn.”
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 second opinion malware scanner such as Malwarebytes.
Even after removing the Trojan with a full antivirus scan, the computer may still have residual malware components (e.g., backdoors, keyloggers, or downloaders) that the primary scanner missed. Running a second opinion scanner like Malwarebytes uses a different detection engine and signature database, increasing the chance of identifying and removing these hidden threats. This step is critical because the suspicious network activity indicates an active infection that the first scan failed to fully eradicate.
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.
- ✗
Reimage the computer immediately.
Why it's wrong here
Reimaging is a last resort; first, attempt further scans to avoid unnecessary downtime.
- ✓
Run a second opinion malware scanner such as Malwarebytes.
Why this is correct
A second scanner can find residual malware or backdoors that the primary tool missed.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Reset the web browser settings to default.
Why it's wrong here
Resetting the browser may help with adware but won't address network-level threats.
- ✗
Disable all startup programs in Task Manager.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling startup items may reduce symptoms but does not remove hidden malware.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the misconception that a single antivirus scan is sufficient for complete malware removal, when in fact residual components or stealthy payloads require a second opinion scanner to fully clean the system.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Trojan horses often create persistence mechanisms such as scheduled tasks, WMI event subscriptions, or service DLLs that survive a standard antivirus removal. A second opinion scanner like Malwarebytes employs heuristic analysis and behavior-based detection (e.g., monitoring for outbound connections to known C2 IPs) that can catch polymorphic or fileless variants that signature-based AVs miss. In real-world scenarios, this layered approach is recommended by frameworks like NIST SP 800-83 to ensure complete eradication before considering more aggressive steps.
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: Run a second opinion malware scanner such as Malwarebytes. — Even after removing the Trojan with a full antivirus scan, the computer may still have residual malware components (e.g., backdoors, keyloggers, or downloaders) that the primary scanner missed. Running a second opinion scanner like Malwarebytes uses a different detection engine and signature database, increasing the chance of identifying and removing these hidden threats. This step is critical because the suspicious network activity indicates an active infection that the first scan failed to fully eradicate.
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
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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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