CompTIA 220-1102 Practice Test Questions, Exam Dumps

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220-1102 CompTIA Practice Test Questions and Exam Dumps

Question No 1:

A help desk team lead has contacted a systems administrator because the technicians are unable to log into a Linux server used for accessing various tools. The administrator tries using a remote desktop connection to access the server, but the graphical user interface (GUI) crashes.

Which of the following methods would be the most effective for troubleshooting the server?

A. SFTP
B. SSH
C. VNC
D. MSRA

Correct Answer: B. SSH

Explanation:

In this case, the technicians are unable to log into the server, and the administrator is facing a GUI crash when attempting remote desktop access. Given that the server is running Linux, and the GUI is malfunctioning, it’s important to choose a method that allows for troubleshooting without relying on the problematic graphical interface. Here's a breakdown of the options provided:

A. SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol):

SFTP is a network protocol that provides secure file transfer between systems over SSH. While SFTP allows for the transfer of files between systems, it does not provide direct access to the server’s command line or allow for real-time system diagnostics and management. Therefore, while SFTP is great for transferring files, it does not support the necessary tasks for troubleshooting server-level issues or managing system resources, making it unsuitable for this scenario.

B. SSH (Secure Shell):

SSH is the most appropriate solution for troubleshooting in this case. SSH provides secure, remote command-line access to a system, allowing the administrator to log into the Linux server even when the GUI is down. Through SSH, the administrator can run diagnostic commands, view log files, check system status, and perform troubleshooting steps to resolve the underlying issue causing the GUI to crash. SSH is a fundamental tool for server management and troubleshooting in Linux environments, and it doesn’t depend on the GUI, which makes it the ideal option.

C. VNC (Virtual Network Computing):

VNC allows remote desktop access to a system, similar to Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) in Windows. However, if the server’s GUI is already crashing, using VNC to access the server will likely face the same issues. Since the GUI is malfunctioning, relying on VNC would be inefficient as it also depends on the graphical interface. It would not help the administrator access the server if the root issue is within the GUI itself.

D. MSRA (Microsoft Remote Assistance):

MSRA is a Windows-specific tool that allows a user to provide remote assistance to another Windows machine. Since this scenario involves a Linux server, MSRA is not applicable. It cannot be used for remote troubleshooting or access to a Linux server and is therefore the least suitable option in this case.

The most effective troubleshooting method for this scenario is to use SSH (Option B). SSH allows the administrator to securely access the server via the command line, bypassing the need for a GUI. This enables real-time troubleshooting, including checking system logs, managing processes, and resolving the underlying issues causing the GUI crash. SSH is essential for managing Linux servers, particularly when the graphical environment is not functional.

Question No 2:

A company needs to securely remove information from previous users' hard drives before reusing them. Which of the following methods is the MOST secure way to erase the data?

A. Reinstalling Windows
B. Performing a quick format
C. Using disk-wiping software
D. Deleting all files from the command-line interface

Correct Answer: C. Using disk-wiping software

Explanation:

When disposing of or reusing old hard drives, it is crucial to ensure that any sensitive data is thoroughly wiped to prevent unauthorized recovery. Let's examine each option to determine which is the most secure for this purpose:

A. Reinstalling Windows:

Reinstalling Windows does not securely erase the data on the drive. While reinstalling the operating system may overwrite some areas of the disk, it does not completely eliminate the data, particularly in areas that are not actively used by the OS. This method could leave data traces that can potentially be recovered using specialized software. Reinstalling Windows is a useful way to refresh a machine, but it is not an effective data destruction method.

B. Performing a quick format:

A quick format erases the file system table and marks the space as available for new data. However, the actual data on the drive remains on the disk until it is overwritten by new data. This method does not securely erase the data and leaves it vulnerable to recovery using data recovery tools. Quick format is not a secure method for removing data, as it doesn’t fully wipe the underlying information.

C. Using disk-wiping software:

Disk-wiping software is specifically designed to securely erase all data on a hard drive by overwriting it multiple times with random data patterns. This process ensures that the original data is completely destroyed and cannot be recovered, even with advanced data recovery techniques. Tools like DBAN (Darik’s Boot and Nuke) and other professional-grade data wiping software ensure that data is securely erased from the hard drive, making it the most secure method for reusing hard drives.

D. Deleting all files from the command-line interface:

Deleting files from the command-line interface simply removes references to the files in the file system table, but the actual data remains on the drive. Like the quick format, this method does not securely erase the data, and the information can be recovered using data recovery software unless the drive is wiped or overwritten.

The most secure method to remove information from past users' hard drives is by using disk-wiping software (Option C). This software ensures that data is securely erased by overwriting it multiple times, making it impossible for anyone to recover sensitive information from the drive. This method is particularly important when dealing with sensitive company data or personal information, where secure data destruction is a critical requirement.

Question No 3:

A user has recently installed a new application on their smartphone that claims to optimize its performance. The application was downloaded directly from the vendor's website. Since the installation, the user has noticed high network utilization and is receiving repeated security warnings about potential threats.

Which of the following actions should the technician perform FIRST to address and mitigate the issue?

A. Reset the phone to factory settings.
B. Uninstall the fraudulent application.
C. Increase the data plan limits.
D. Disable the mobile hotspot.

Correct Answer: B. Uninstall the fraudulent application.

Explanation:

When troubleshooting issues caused by a recently installed application, it’s important to follow a structured approach to mitigate potential risks without causing unnecessary disruption. Here’s an in-depth look at the most effective solution:

Why is Option B Correct?

The key issue here is the high network utilization and security warnings, which likely stem from the application that was downloaded. Since the application claims to optimize performance but is causing issues, it is probable that the application is malicious or fraudulent. Applications downloaded from unofficial sources (such as the vendor's website in this case) can be a security risk, potentially leading to data breaches, malware infections, or other types of cyber attacks.

Uninstalling the application should be the first step to remove the immediate threat. Once the application is removed, the technician can proceed with further analysis to confirm the absence of malware or other security issues.

Why are the other options incorrect?

Option A (Reset the phone to factory settings): Resetting the phone to its factory settings can help remove any malicious applications and their residual data, but it is a drastic step that would result in the loss of all user data (such as contacts, apps, and preferences). Since the issue seems to be isolated to the new application, uninstalling it is a less invasive first step, and a factory reset can be considered if problems persist.
Option C (Increase the data plan limits): Increasing the data plan limits does not address the underlying problem, which is likely a malicious application using excessive network bandwidth. Simply increasing data limits would not resolve the security warnings or high network utilization caused by the malicious app.
Option D (Disable the mobile hotspot): While disabling the mobile hotspot could temporarily stop the network traffic associated with the application, it does not address the root cause of the issue—the malicious or fraudulent application. Additionally, this action would not prevent further security risks, so uninstalling the app is the most direct and effective solution.

Steps After Uninstalling the Application:

Verify Security: After uninstalling the application, run a security scan to check for any malware or other threats that may have been introduced by the app. Many smartphones offer built-in security tools or third-party antivirus apps that can help with this.
Check Data Usage: Review the network utilization statistics to ensure that the excessive data usage has stopped after the app’s removal.
Monitor Security Warnings: If security warnings persist, consider installing a reputable security app to monitor and ensure that the device is free from any threats.

Question No 4:

A Change Advisory Board (CAB) has just approved a change request within an organization’s change management process. This is the final approval step before the change is implemented.

Which of the following actions is the MOST likely next step in the change management process?

A. End user acceptance
B. Perform risk analysis
C. Communicate to stakeholders
D. Sandbox testing

Correct Answer: C. Communicate to stakeholders.

Explanation:

Once the Change Advisory Board (CAB) has approved a change request, the next step in the change management process is to communicate the approved changes to all relevant stakeholders. Stakeholders typically include individuals or groups within the organization who will be impacted by the change, such as end users, IT teams, department heads, and sometimes external vendors or customers.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of why communication is the next logical step:

Why is Option C Correct?

Communication is critical in change management to ensure alignment among all involved parties. After the CAB approves a change, stakeholders need to be informed about what the change involves, the timeline for implementation, and any expected impact (such as downtime, service interruptions, or new procedures). This step ensures that everyone is prepared for the change and can contribute to its successful implementation.
The communication should be clear, timely, and include details such as:

Purpose of the change.
Scope of the change.
Impact on daily operations.
Instructions or actions required from stakeholders.
Date and time for implementation.

Why are the other options incorrect?

Option A (End user acceptance): While end-user acceptance testing is an important part of the change process, it typically happens after communication and once the change has been implemented in a test environment or staging area. End-user acceptance ensures that the change meets the needs of the users, but it happens after communication and planning have been completed.
Option B (Perform risk analysis): Risk analysis is a critical step before the change request is approved by the CAB. It involves assessing the potential risks of the change, but once the change has been approved, it is too late to perform this analysis. Risk management and mitigation should have already been addressed during the planning phase.
Option D (Sandbox testing): Sandbox testing is used to verify a change in a controlled environment before implementation. However, this should have already been completed in earlier stages of the change process, well before the CAB approval. After approval, testing may still occur, but communication with stakeholders is the most immediate next step.

Steps After Communication:

After communicating the change to stakeholders, the organization should proceed with the implementation of the change, which typically involves:

Executing the change in a controlled manner.
Monitoring for issues and ensuring everything is functioning as expected.
Conducting post-implementation reviews and gathering feedback from users to ensure that the change was successful.

Question No 5:

A user calls the help desk to report that none of the files on their PC will open. The user also mentions that a program on the desktop is requesting payment in exchange for file access. A technician confirms that the PC is infected with ransomware.

Which of the following should the technician do FIRST to mitigate the impact of the ransomware?

A. Scan and remove the malware.
B. Schedule automated malware scans.
C. Quarantine the system.
D. Disable System Restore.

Correct Answer: C. Quarantine the system.

Explanation:

When dealing with ransomware, which is malicious software designed to lock or encrypt files and demand payment for access, it is crucial to take immediate action to contain the threat. Let's go through the options provided and explain why quarantining the system is the best initial step in this scenario:

A. Scan and remove the malware:

While scanning and removing the malware is an important part of the response to a ransomware infection, it should not be the first step. If the system is still connected to a network, continuing to operate without isolation could allow the ransomware to spread to other machines or systems. By scanning and attempting to remove the malware without first isolating the infected machine, there is a risk that the ransomware could further compromise the system or propagate across the network.

B. Schedule automated malware scans:

Scheduling automated malware scans might be a useful long-term strategy to prevent future infections, but it is not a first step when a system is actively infected with ransomware. The system needs to be immediately contained, and automated scans should not be relied upon as an immediate mitigation method. Active steps must be taken to isolate the system to prevent further damage.

C. Quarantine the system:

Quarantining the system should be the technician's first step. Ransomware can quickly spread throughout a network, so isolating the infected machine from other systems is essential. The technician should disconnect the system from the network (both wired and wireless) and ensure it is not accessible by other computers. This step helps contain the ransomware and prevents it from encrypting additional files or propagating across shared resources. Once the machine is isolated, the technician can proceed with removing the malware, restoring files from backups, and other recovery actions without worrying about further infection.

D. Disable System Restore:

Disabling System Restore could be part of a broader strategy to mitigate a ransomware infection, as ransomware can sometimes affect restore points. However, disabling System Restore should not be the first action. The primary concern in the initial response is to contain the infection by isolating the machine. Disabling System Restore is more of a precautionary measure to prevent the ransomware from using existing restore points for reinfection. It should come after the system is isolated and when the technician begins to investigate how to recover the system.

The technician's first step when dealing with a ransomware infection should be to quarantine the system (Option C). This prevents the ransomware from spreading to other machines and ensures that no additional files are encrypted or affected. Once the system is isolated, the technician can then proceed with scanning and removing the malware, restoring files from backups (if available), and taking any additional steps to ensure that the system is cleaned and secure. Quarantining the system is the most critical immediate action to stop the spread of ransomware, making it the most appropriate first step in this scenario.

Question No 6:

A company is in the process of issuing smartphones to its employees and needs to ensure that sensitive data on the devices is protected in the event that a phone is lost or stolen. The company requires a solution that allows them to remotely manage and secure the devices if this situation occurs.

Which of the following provides the BEST solution for securing data on smartphones in case they are lost or stolen?

A. Anti-malware
B. Remote wipe
C. Locator applications
D. Screen lock

Correct Answer: B. Remote wipe

Explanation:

When a company provides smartphones to employees, ensuring the security of the data on these devices is a top priority. Smartphones typically store a significant amount of sensitive information, including company emails, personal data, and access credentials. If the device is lost or stolen, it can become a potential point of compromise for corporate data. Let’s break down the most effective solution to address this concern.

Why is Option B (Remote wipe) the best solution?

A remote wipe is the most effective solution to safeguard sensitive data on a smartphone if the device is lost or stolen. Remote wipe enables an organization’s IT team to remotely delete all data on the smartphone, ensuring that no sensitive information is left on the device. This can be done using mobile device management (MDM) software or other enterprise mobility management (EMM) tools.

Key Benefits of Remote Wipe:

Data Erasure: It ensures that all confidential information, such as emails, documents, contacts, and application data, is securely wiped from the device.

Prevents Data Breaches: This reduces the risk of unauthorized access to corporate systems or customer data, which could occur if a malicious actor gained physical access to the device.

Regulatory Compliance: Remote wipe can help the company comply with data protection regulations such as GDPR or HIPAA, which require organizations to take measures to protect sensitive data.

Since the question specifically asks for the best solution to protect data if a device is lost or stolen, remote wipe is the most effective method as it ensures complete removal of sensitive information, minimizing the chances of a data breach.

Why are the other options less effective?

Option A (Anti-malware): While anti-malware software can help protect the device from malicious software and attacks, it does not directly address the issue of securing data if the device is lost or stolen. Anti-malware primarily protects against threats that can come from apps or websites but does not have the ability to erase data remotely.
Option C (Locator applications): Locator applications can help track the device's location, which is useful for recovering lost or stolen phones. However, they don’t offer a way to secure or erase the data on the device. If the device is not recovered, a locator app would not prevent the data from being accessed by an unauthorized user.
Option D (Screen lock): A screen lock (such as a PIN, password, or biometric lock) is important for preventing unauthorized access to the device's contents while it is in use. However, if the device is lost or stolen, a screen lock only prevents immediate access, but it does not protect the data in the long term, especially if the attacker uses techniques like bypassing the lock or performing a factory reset.

Additional Measures to Enhance Device Security

While remote wipe is the most critical action for securing a device after it is lost or stolen, it is also advisable to implement the following measures as part of an overall mobile security strategy:

Encrypt device storage: This ensures that even if the data is not wiped, it remains unreadable without proper decryption keys.
Enable remote locking: A remote lock can prevent unauthorized users from accessing the phone’s contents before a wipe can be performed.
Regular backups: Backing up important data regularly ensures that even if the device is wiped, important information can be restored.

In summary, remote wipe provides the best solution for securing data on smartphones in the event they are lost or stolen because it allows for the complete erasure of sensitive data. While other methods such as anti-malware, locator apps, and screen locks provide important layers of security, remote wipe is the most effective in addressing the scenario described in the question.

Question No 7:

A user reports seeing random, seemingly non-malicious advertisement notifications in the Windows 10 Action Center. The notifications indicate the advertisements are coming from a web browser.

Which of the following is the BEST solution for a technician to implement?

A. Disable the browser from sending notifications to the Action Center.
B. Run a full antivirus scan on the computer.
C. Disable all Action Center notifications.
D. Move specific site notifications from Allowed to Block.

Correct Answer: D. Move specific site notifications from Allowed to Block.

Explanation:

In this scenario, the user is receiving unwanted advertisement notifications through the Windows 10 Action Center, and these notifications are originating from a web browser. Here’s a breakdown of each option and why D. Move specific site notifications from Allowed to Block is the best solution:

A. Disable the browser from sending notifications to the Action Center:

Disabling browser notifications might seem like a viable solution, but it can be an overly broad approach. This option would stop all notifications from that browser, not just the advertisements. The user may still want to receive useful notifications from websites (e.g., updates from news sites or social media alerts), so disabling all notifications from the browser would not be ideal. A more targeted approach is needed, which brings us to Option D

B. Run a full antivirus scan on the computer:

While running an antivirus scan is important when dealing with potential malware or adware, the symptoms described here (random advertisements from a browser) do not typically indicate a virus infection. Instead, this issue is more likely related to browser settings or unwanted push notifications from specific websites. Running a full antivirus scan is a good general practice, but it’s not the most direct or effective way to resolve this particular issue. It may not address the core problem of browser-generated notifications.

C. Disable all Action Center notifications:

Disabling all Action Center notifications would remove all notifications from the system, including useful alerts like system updates, security warnings, and reminders. This option is very broad and would result in the user missing important notifications. It’s a poor choice because the technician should aim to solve the issue without impacting the user’s ability to receive important alerts. Disabling all notifications in Action Center is not a targeted solution.

D. Move specific site notifications from Allowed to Block:

This is the best solution. In modern browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, users can control website notifications on a per-site basis. Advertisements typically come from specific sites that the user might have allowed notifications from in the past. The technician can guide the user to the browser’s settings, where they can block notifications from these sites. By doing so, the user will stop receiving unwanted ad notifications while still being able to keep other useful notifications enabled. This approach targets the issue directly and preserves functionality without disrupting the system as a whole.

The most effective and efficient solution in this case is to move specific site notifications from Allowed to Block (Option D). This allows the technician to address the root cause of the problem—unwanted ad notifications from specific sites—without disabling all notifications or impacting the functionality of the system or other important alerts. Managing browser notification settings is a straightforward and targeted approach to resolve this issue, which is why this is the best course of action.

Question No 8:

A help desk technician is troubleshooting a workstation in a Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) environment, where the system is performing above normal baselines. Upon investigation, the technician discovers an unknown executable running on the system, identified by a random string of characters in its filename. After terminating the process, the system returns to normal operation. Although the technician suspects the file is malicious, the antivirus software fails to detect any threat. The technician is now concerned that other workstations on the network may also be infected with the same unknown virus.

Which of the following is the MOST effective method for checking other machines on the network for this unknown threat?

A. Run a startup script that removes files by name.
B. Provide a sample to the antivirus vendor.
C. Manually check each machine.
D. Monitor outbound network traffic.

Correct Answer: D. Monitor outbound network traffic.

Explanation:

When dealing with potential security threats in a networked environment, particularly when an unknown virus or malware is suspected, it is important to adopt a comprehensive and efficient approach to detect and mitigate the threat across all machines. In this case, the technician is facing a situation where the antivirus has not detected the unknown threat, and the issue appears to be affecting multiple machines.

Let’s evaluate the options:

Why is Option D (Monitor outbound network traffic) the most effective?

Monitoring outbound network traffic is an effective way to detect suspicious or malicious activity, especially when the virus may be trying to communicate with a command and control server, exfiltrate data, or spread to other systems. Malicious software often relies on network communication for a variety of purposes, such as downloading additional payloads, sending sensitive information, or attempting to infect other systems. By analyzing outbound traffic, the technician can spot unusual or unauthorized connections to external IP addresses or domains, indicating the presence of a threat.

How it works: A network monitoring tool or Intrusion Detection System (IDS) can be configured to alert on unusual traffic patterns, such as a sudden surge in traffic, communication with known malicious IP addresses, or traffic to uncommon ports or protocols.
Why it's effective: Since the virus is unknown and not detected by traditional antivirus tools, network traffic analysis becomes a critical technique to identify compromised systems and stop further infection.

Why are the other options less effective?

Option A (Run a startup script that removes files by name): While a startup script may help remove specific files by name, it is not effective for detecting or mitigating unknown threats, especially if the malware is using dynamically generated names or if it reappears after removal. A targeted script may miss new or altered versions of the threat.
Option B (Provide a sample to the antivirus vendor): Sending a sample of the unknown executable to the antivirus vendor could help in the long term by potentially improving virus detection, but it doesn’t provide an immediate solution for detecting other infected machines on the network. Waiting for an antivirus update could leave the network exposed during the analysis period.
Option C (Manually check each machine): Manually checking each machine can be time-consuming and inefficient, particularly in a larger network. It also might not uncover hidden threats that are not immediately apparent or active. Furthermore, malware could be using obfuscation techniques to avoid detection, making a manual check ineffective.

Additional Considerations:

While monitoring outbound network traffic is an excellent initial step, it should be part of a broader strategy to address the unknown threat. Other steps that could enhance security and detection include:

Implementing a network-wide antivirus solution: Using a central antivirus solution that provides real-time scanning and monitoring of all networked devices can improve detection of unknown threats.
Deploying Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools: EDR tools can offer deeper analysis and can identify suspicious behavior on endpoints, even without traditional signature-based antivirus detection.
Regularly updating systems: Ensuring all software and operating systems are patched and up to date helps protect against known vulnerabilities that could be exploited by the malware.

Monitoring outbound network traffic is the most effective immediate action for detecting and mitigating the unknown virus in a networked environment. It allows the technician to spot malicious behavior that may not be caught by antivirus software, especially when dealing with sophisticated or new malware. While other options like sending a sample to the antivirus vendor or manually checking each machine might be useful, they do not provide the same level of proactive and network-wide detection.