- A
Run a full antivirus scan on all workstations simultaneously.
Why wrong: Running scans while the worm is actively spreading may not stop the propagation; containment must come first.
- B
Disable network shares and isolate infected workstations from the network.
This stops the worm from spreading via file shares and prevents further infection.
- C
Update the antivirus definitions on one workstation and scan it.
Why wrong: Updating definitions is helpful but does not contain the spread; the worm can still infect other machines.
- D
Reboot all workstations into Safe Mode with Networking.
Why wrong: Safe Mode with Networking still allows network access, so the worm could continue spreading.
Question 277 of 750
Worm Containment: Disable Network Shares
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 investigating a security incident where multiple workstations on the same network are showing signs of infection: slow performance, unusual network traffic, and the presence of a file named 'svch0st.exe' in the Startup folder. The technician suspects a worm that spreads through network shares. What is the most effective containment strategy?
Quick Answer
The answer is to disable network shares and isolate infected workstations from the network. This is the most effective worm containment strategy because a worm that spreads via network shares relies on accessible shared folders to copy itself from one system to another; by disabling those shares and cutting the infected machines off the network, you immediately break the propagation chain. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of network segmentation as a first-response containment step, often appearing alongside a malicious file like ‘svch0st.exe’ in the Startup folder to mimic a real SMB-based worm. A common trap is jumping to patching the SMB vulnerability first, but the exam emphasizes that containment—stopping the spread—takes priority over remediation. Memory tip: think “Cut the cords before you patch the holes”—shares off, network unplugged, then fix the exploit.
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
✓
Disable network shares and isolate infected workstations from the network.
Disabling network shares and isolating infected workstations from the network is the most effective containment strategy because the worm spreads through network shares (SMB protocol). By cutting off the propagation vector (network shares) and isolating infected hosts, you prevent the worm from reaching other workstations, even if the malware is still active locally. This aligns with the immediate containment phase of incident response, which prioritizes stopping the spread over remediation.
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.
- ✗
Run a full antivirus scan on all workstations simultaneously.
Why it's wrong here
Running scans while the worm is actively spreading may not stop the propagation; containment must come first.
- ✓
Disable network shares and isolate infected workstations from the network.
Why this is correct
This stops the worm from spreading via file shares and prevents further infection.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Update the antivirus definitions on one workstation and scan it.
Why it's wrong here
Updating definitions is helpful but does not contain the spread; the worm can still infect other machines.
- ✗
Reboot all workstations into Safe Mode with Networking.
Why it's wrong here
Safe Mode with Networking still allows network access, so the worm could continue spreading.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between remediation (cleaning the infection) and containment (stopping the spread), and the trap here is that candidates choose a remediation action like scanning or updating definitions instead of the immediate containment step of disabling the propagation vector.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The worm likely exploits weak credentials or unpatched SMB vulnerabilities (e.g., EternalBlue) to copy itself to writable network shares. Disabling network shares can be done via the 'net share' command or Group Policy, and isolation can be achieved by disconnecting the network cable or using a VLAN access control list (ACL) to block all traffic to/from the infected hosts. In a real-world scenario, even after isolation, you would need to remove the persistence mechanism (the Startup folder entry) and the executable before reconnecting to the 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 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
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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: Disable network shares and isolate infected workstations from the network. — Disabling network shares and isolating infected workstations from the network is the most effective containment strategy because the worm spreads through network shares (SMB protocol). By cutting off the propagation vector (network shares) and isolating infected hosts, you prevent the worm from reaching other workstations, even if the malware is still active locally. This aligns with the immediate containment phase of incident response, which prioritizes stopping the spread over remediation.
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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