220-1102 CompTIA A+ Certification Core 2 Exam Questions and Answers

Least privilege is the principle that is used to ensure users have the appropriate level of access to perform their job functions. Least privilege means granting users only the minimum amount of access rights and permissions they need to perform their tasks, and nothing more. Least privilege reduces the risk of unauthorized access, data leakage, malware infection, or accidental damage by limiting what users can do on the system or network. Access control list, multifactor authentication, and mobile device management are not principles, but rather mechanisms or methods that can implement least privilege. Access control list is a list that specifies the users or groups that are allowed or denied access to a resource, such as a file, folder, or printer. Multifactor authentication is a method that requires users to provide two or more pieces of evidence to prove their identity, such as a password, a token, or a biometric factor. Mobile device management is a tool that allows managing and securing mobile devices, such as smartphones or tablets, that are used by employees to access corporate data or applications. References:

• Official CompTIA learning resources CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2, page 25
• [CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 Certification Study Guide], page 1003

Account lockout would best mitigate the threat of a dictionary attack1

Hash verification is a process that verifies the integrity of a file by comparing the hash value of the downloaded file to the hash value provided by the source1

Default Apps should be used to ensure all PDF files open in Adobe Reader1

A soft token, also known as a software token or an OTP (one-time password) app, is a type of multifactor authentication that generates a temporary code or password on a user’s device, such as a smartphone or a tablet. The user must enter this code or password along with their username and password to access their account or service. A soft token can help improve security by adding an extra layer of verification and preventing unauthorized access even if the user’s credentials are compromised. A soft token can also be implemented at a minimal cost, as it does not require any additional hardware or infrastructure. Biometrics, access control lists, and smart card are not types of multifactor authentication that can be implemented at a minimal cost.

ifconfig is a command-line utility that allows you to configure network interfaces on macOS and other Unix-like systems1. To set an IP address using ifconfig, you need to know the name of the network interface you want to configure (such as en0 or en1), and the IP address you want to assign (such as 192.168.0.150). You also need to use sudo to run the command with administrative privileges2. The syntax of the command is:

sudo ifconfig interface address

For example, to set the IP address of en1 to 192.168.0.150, you would type:

sudo ifconfig en1 192.168.0.150

You may also need to specify other parameters such as subnet mask, gateway, or DNS servers, depending on your network configuration3. The other commands are not directly related to setting an IP address on macOS. ipconfig is a similar command for Windows systems4, arpa is a domain name used for reverse DNS lookup, and ping is a command for testing network connectivity.

The best explanation for why the system still has malware after performing a System Restore is that the malware was installed before the system restore point was created. A system restore point is a snapshot of the system settings and configuration at a certain point in time. A System Restore is a feature that allows users to restore their system to a previous state in case of problems or errors. However, a System Restore does not affect personal files or folders, and it may not remove malware that was already present on the system before the restore point was created. A system patch disabling the antivirus protection and host firewall may increase the risk of malware infection, but it does not explain why the malware persists after a System Restore. The system updates not including the latest anti-malware definitions may reduce the effectiveness of malware detection and removal, but it does not explain why the malware persists after a System Restore. The system restore process being compromised by the malware may prevent a successful System Restore, but it does not explain why the malware persists after a System Restore. References: CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1002) Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0, Domain 1.3

The aspect of forensic evidence life cycle that must be maintained when dealing with a piece of evidence is chain of custody. This is because chain of custody is the documentation of the movement of evidence from the time it is collected to the time it is presented in court, and it is important to maintain the integrity of the evidence

Operating system updates are used to secure a device from known exploits. Operating system updates are patches or fixes that are released by the vendor to address security vulnerabilities, bugs, or performance issues. Operating system updates can also provide new features or enhancements to the device. It is important to keep the operating system updated to prevent attackers from exploiting known flaws or weaknesses.

 Mission Control is the macOS feature that provides the user with a high-level view of all open windows. Mission Control allows the user to see and switch between multiple desktops, full-screen apps, and windows in a single screen. Mission Control can be accessed by swiping up with three or four fingers on the trackpad, pressing F3 on the keyboard, or moving the cursor to a hot corner

An IP address is a unique identifier that allows a device to communicate with other devices on a network. A network printer needs an IP address to be accessible by multiple users on the network. Requesting an unused IP address from the network administrator or using an IP address scanner is the step that should happen immediately before network use is authorized, as it ensures that there is no IP address conflict or duplication on the network. Documenting the date and time of the change, submitting a change request form, and determining the risk level of this change are steps that should happen before requesting an unused IP address.

Smart card and password is an example of two-factor authentication (2FA), not multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA requires two or more authentication factors. Smart card and password is an example of two-factor authentication (2FA)2

 If a technician suspects high disk I/O, the technician should use the Resource Monitor (resmon.exe) to identify the process that is causing the high disk I/O1. Resource Monitor provides detailed information about the system’s resource usage, including disk I/O1. The technician can use this information to identify the process that is causing the high disk I/O and take appropriate action1.

Resource Monitor will help a technician identify the issue when a user reports a computer is running slow1

The installation of home edition software on computers at a local office most likely violates the EULA. EULA stands for End User License Agreement and is a legal contract that specifies the terms and conditions for using a software product or service. EULA typically covers topics such as license scope, duration and limitations, rights and obligations of the parties, warranties and disclaimers, liability and indemnity clauses, and termination procedures. EULA may also restrict the use of home edition software to personal or non-commercial purposes only, and prohibit the use of home edition software in business or professional settings. Violating EULA may result in legal actions or penalties from the software vendor or developer. PII stands for Personally Identifiable Information and is any information that can be used to identify or locate an individual, such as name, address, phone number, email address, social security number or credit card number. PII is not related to software installation or licensing but to data protection and privacy. DRM stands for Digital Rights Management and is a technology that controls or restricts the access and use of digital content, such as music, movies, books or games. DRM is not related to software installation or licensing but to content distribution and piracy prevention. Open-source agreement is a type of license that allows users to access, modify and distribute the source code of a software product or service freely and openly. Open-source agreement does not restrict the use of software to home edition only but encourages collaboration and innovation among developers and users. References: CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1002) Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0, Domain 5.1

The technician's action of setting the phone to silent while troubleshooting the customer's PC is an example of avoiding distractions. By setting the phone to silent, the technician is ensuring that they are able to focus on the task at hand without any distractions that could potentially disrupt their workflow. This is an important practice when handling customer's confidential material, as it ensures that the technician is able to focus on the task and not be distracted by any external sources. Furthermore, it also adheres to user privacy policies, as the technician is not exposing any confidential information to any external sources.

the user should change the default passwords first when configuring a new SOHO Wi-Fi router1

Although updating the anti-malware software and running scans are important steps in removing malware, they may not be sufficient to permanently remove the malware if the user keeps engaging in behaviors that leave the system vulnerable, such as downloading unknown files or visiting malicious websites. Therefore, educating the user on safe computing practices is the best way to prevent future infections and permanently remove the malware.

Enabling System Restore, Booting into safe mode, and scheduling a scan are not the most efficient ways to permanently remove the malware. Enabling System Restore and Booting into safe mode may help in some cases, but they may not be sufficient to permanently remove the malware. Scheduling a scan is also important for detecting and removing malware, but it may not be sufficient to prevent future infections.

https://partners.comptia.org/docs/default-source/resources/comptia-a-220-1102-exam-objectives-(3-0)

The correct answer is B. Submit a change request form. A change request form is a document that describes the proposed change, the reason for the change, the expected benefits and impacts, the risks and mitigation strategies, the implementation plan, and the approval process. A change request form is an essential part of change management best practices, as it helps to ensure that the change is well-planned, communicated, and authorized before it is implemented12.

A change request form should be submitted immediately before network use is authorized, because it provides the necessary information and justification for the change to the relevant stakeholders, such as the network administrator, the IT manager, and the department manager. The change request form also allows the stakeholders to review and approve or reject the change, or request more information or modifications. The change request form also serves as a record of the change history and status12.

According to CompTIA A+ Core 2 objectives, a full backup stored off-site provides the greatest protection against data loss in the event of a ransomware attack or other data disaster. By storing the backup in a separate physical location, it is less likely to be affected by the same event that could cause data loss on the original system. Cold storage is a term used for data archiving, which typically refers to a long-term storage solution that is used for retaining data that is infrequently accessed, but still needs to be kept for regulatory or compliance reasons.

The file type that the technician will MOST likely use when installing new software on a macOS computer is .app. This is because .app is the file extension for applications on macOS1.

Recovery is a Windows 10 utility that can be used to address the concern of a failed update that prevents an application from launching. Recovery allows the user to reset the PC, go back to a previous version of Windows, or use advanced startup options to troubleshoot and repair the system2. Device Manager, Administrator Tools, and Programs and Features are not Windows 10 utilities that can fix a failed update.

The BEST way to secure the current workflow of transferring sensitive personal information between offices when conducting business is to enable BitLocker To Go with a password that meets corporate requirements. This is because BitLocker To Go is a full-disk encryption feature that encrypts all data on a USB drive, which is what the company currently uses, and requires a password to access the data.

The differential backup method would best address these concerns. Differential backups only back up files that have changed since the last full backup, which means that only a few files would be backed up each time. This would help to mitigate the risk of ransomware attacks, as only a few files would be affected if an attack occurred. Additionally, differential backups require less storage space than full backups.

The best ways to limit the bank’s risk are to enable multifactor authentication for each support account and enforce account lockouts after five bad password attempts. Multifactor authentication adds an extra layer of security to the login process, making it more difficult for attackers to gain access to systems. Account lockouts after five bad password attempts can help to prevent brute force attacks by locking out accounts after a certain number of failed login attempts.

The technician would most likely use Settings > Accounts > Family and Other Users to add an individual as a local administrator on a Windows home PC. Settings > Accounts > Family and Other Users allows users to add and manage other user accounts on their Windows PC. The technician can add an individual as a local administrator by selecting Add someone else to this PC under Other users and following the steps to create a new user account with administrator privileges. Settings > Personalization allows users to customize the appearance and behavior of their desktop, such as themes, colors, backgrounds, lock screen and screensaver. Settings > Personalization is not related to adding an individual as a local administrator on a Windows home PC but to configuring desktop settings and preferences. Control Panel > Credential Manager allows users to view and manage their web credentials and Windows credentials stored on their Windows PC. Control Panel > Credential Manager is not related to adding

This will ensure that the antivirus software is up-to-date, and can detect any new viruses that may have been released since the last virus definition update. 

The CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1002 exam covers this topic in the following domains: 1.3 Explain the importance of security awareness and 2.2 Given a scenario, use secure data management and disaster recovery principles.

The first thing that the specialist should do to protect the company’s data on an insecure network with open authentication is to connect to the vendor’s network using a VPN. A VPN stands for Virtual Private Network and is a technology that creates a secure and encrypted connection over a public or untrusted network. A VPN can protect the company’s data by preventing eavesdropping, interception or modification of the network traffic by unauthorized parties. A VPN can also provide access to the company’s internal network and resources remotely. Manually configuring an IP address, a subnet mask and a default gateway may not be necessary or possible if the vendor’s network uses DHCP to assign network configuration parameters automatically. Manually configuring an IP address, a subnet mask and a default gateway does not protect the company’s data from network attacks or threats. Changing the network location to private may not be advisable or effective if the vendor’s network is a public or untrusted network. Changing the network location to private does not protect the company’s data from network attacks or threats. Configuring MFA on the network may not be feasible or sufficient if the vendor’s network has open authentication and does not support or require MFA. Configuring MFA on the network does not protect the company’s data from network attacks or threats. References: CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1002) Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0, Domain 3.3

The correct answer is D. Force Quit. Force Quit is a macOS feature that allows users to close an application that has stopped responding. To use Force Quit, users can press and hold Option (or Alt), Command, and Esc (Escape) keys together, or choose Force Quit from the Apple menu in the corner of the screen. A Force Quit window will open, where users can select the application that they want to close and click Force Quit123.

References and Explanation:

• The web search results provide information about how to force an app to quit on Mac using different methods, such as keyboard shortcuts, mouse clicks, or menu options. The results also explain what to do if the app cannot be forced to quit or if the Mac does not respond.
• The first result1 is from the official Apple Support website and provides detailed instructions and screenshots on how to force an app to quit on Mac using the keyboard shortcut or the Apple menu. It also explains how to force quit the Finder app and how to restart or turn off the Mac if needed.
• The second result2 is from the same website but for a different region (UK). It has the same content as the first result but with some minor differences in spelling and wording.
• The third result4 is from a website called Lifehacker that provides tips and tricks for various topics, including technology. It compares how to close a program that is not responding on different operating systems, such as Windows, Mac, and Linux. It briefly mentions how to force quit an app on Mac using the keyboard shortcut or the mouse click.
• The fourth result3 is from a website called Parallels that provides software solutions for running Windows on Mac. It focuses on how to force quit an app on Mac using the keyboard shortcut and provides a video tutorial and a screenshot on how to do it. It also suggests some alternative ways to close an app that is not responding, such as using Activity Monitor or Terminal commands.

 Date and time is the most likely cause of the issue. The date and time settings on a workstation affect the validity of the certificates used by websites to establish secure connections. If the date and time are incorrect, the workstation may not recognize the certificate as valid and display an invalid certificate error. Other workstations on the same local network may not have this issue if their date and time are correct. User access control, UEFI boot mode, and log-on times are not likely causes of the issue. User access control is a feature that prevents unauthorized changes to the system by prompting for confirmation or credentials. UEFI boot mode is a firmware interface that controls the boot process of the workstation. Log-on times are settings that restrict when a user can log in to the workstation. None of these factors affect the validity of the certificates used by websites. References:

• Official CompTIA learning resources CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2, page 14
• CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102) Cert Guide, page 456

Multifactor authentication (MFA) is a security measure that requires users to provide multiple pieces of evidence when logging in to an account or system. This can include a combination of something the user knows (e.g. a password or PIN), something the user has (e.g. a security token or smartphone) and something the user is (e.g. biometrics such as a fingerprint or face scan). By enabling MFA, the systems administrator can ensure that users are required to provide multiple pieces of evidence when logging in, making it more difficult for unauthorized users to gain access to the system. This can help reduce the number of help desk tickets submitted due to forgotten passwords.

To exclude an application folder from being cataloged by a Windows 10 search, the technician should use the Indexing Options utility1

Power Options is a Control Panel utility that allows users to configure the power settings of their computer, such as when to turn off the display, when to put the computer to sleep, and how to manage the battery life. Power Options also allows users to configure the USB selective suspend setting, which is a feature that automatically suspends the power supply to USB devices that are not in use, in order to save energy. A user can disable this setting if they want to ensure that USB devices are not suspended by the operating system. System, Devices and Printers, and Ease of Access are not Control Panel utilities that can be used to configure the USB selective suspend setting.

https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/difference-32-bit-64-bit-windows/

 After upgrading from a 32-bit Windows OS to a 64-bit OS, the company will be able to fully take advantage of the RAM of the computer. This is because a 64-bit operating system is able to use larger amounts of RAM compared to a 32-bit operating system, which may benefit the system’s overall performance if it has more than 4GB of RAM installed 

Chrome OS provides a lightweight option for workstations that need an easy-to-use browser-based interface1

The user is experiencing a system error that prevents them from using the Testing program. The error message indicates that the file MSVCP100.dll is missing from the computer. This file is part of the Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package, which is required by some applications to run properly. The error may have occurred due to a corrupted or incomplete software deployment.

To resolve this issue, the user needs to restore the missing file and register it in the system. One possible way to do this is to copy the file from another computer that has the Testing program installed and working, and then use the regsvr32 command to register it. The steps are as follows:

• On another computer (User-PC02) that has the Testing program installed and working, locate the file MSVCP100.dll in the folder C:\Program Files\Testing.
• Share the folder C:\Windows\System32 on User-PC02 by right-clicking on it, selecting Properties, then Sharing, then Advanced Sharing, then checking Share this folder, then clicking OK.
• On the user’s computer (User-PC01), open a command prompt as an administrator by clicking Start, typing cmd, right-clicking on Command Prompt, and selecting Run as administrator.
• In the command prompt, type the following command to copy the file MSVCP100.dll from User-PC02 to User-PC01: copy "C:\Program Files\Testing\msvcp100.dll" "\\User-PC02\C$\Windows\System32"
• After the file is copied, type the following command to register it in the system: regsvr32 msvcp100.dll
• Restart the user’s computer and try to run the Testing program again.

Therefore, based on the instructions given by the user, the correct answers are:

Select Event Viewer Issue: 2187

Select First Command: copy "C:\Program Files\Testing\msvcp100.dll" "\\User-PC02\C$\Windows\System32"

Select Second Command: regsvr32 msvcp100.dll

Logging into a user's account without their explicit permission is a violation of the acceptable use policy, which outlines the rules and regulations by which a user must abide while using a computer system. By logging into the user's account without their permission, the technician would be violating this policy. Additionally, this action could be seen as a breach of confidentiality, as the technician would have access to information that should remain confidential.

Cryptomining malware is a type of malicious program that uses the CPU resources of a compromised server to generate cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum. It can cause extremely high CPU utilization and network traffic to the IP address of the cryptocurrency service. Keylogger, ransomware and boot sector virus are other types of malware, but they do not cause the same symptoms as cryptomining malware. Verified References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-cryptomining https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a

Sandbox testing is a method of identifying potential issues with a proposed change prior to implementation. It involves creating a simulated or isolated environment that mimics the real system and applying the change to it. This can help to verify that the change works as expected and does not cause any errors or conflicts. Request form, rollback plan and end-user acceptance are other components of a change management process, but they do not involve identifying issues with a change. Verified References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-sandbox-testing https://www.comptia.org/certifications/ a

A full backup does not depend on any previous backups, unlike differential or incremental backups, which only save the changes made since the last backup. A synthetic backup is a type of full backup that combines an existing full backup with incremental backups to create a new full backup, but it still requires multiple backup sets to recover data. Therefore, a full backup is the most suitable for the payroll workstation that needs to have its data readily available and recoverable. You can learn more about the differences between full, differential, incremental, and synthetic backups from this article.

Some electronic items require special e-waste recycling because they contain hazardous materials that can harm the environment and human health if disposed of improperly12. Laptop batteries and CRT monitors are examples of such items.

Laptop batteries are usually made of lithium-ion or nickel-metal hydride, which are both toxic and flammable substances34. If laptop batteries are thrown in the trash, they can leak, catch fire, or explode, causing pollution and injuries5 . Therefore, laptop batteries should be recycled at authorized collection centers or through manufacturer take-back programs .

CRT monitors are old types of display devices that use cathode ray tubes, which are glass tubes that emit electrons to create images on the screen . CRT monitors contain lead, mercury, cadmium, and phosphor, which are all harmful metals that can contaminate the soil, water, and air if dumped in landfills . Therefore, CRT monitors should be recycled at certified e-waste facilities or through retailer or manufacturer trade-in programs .

References1: CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Core 2 Objectives, page 13 2: Environmental Impacts – CompTIA A+ 220-1102 – 4.53 3: The Official CompTIA A+ Core 2 Instructor Guide (Exam 220-1102), page 10-12 4: CompTIA CertMaster Learn for A+ Core 2 (220-1102) - Student Access Key5 5: [Why You Should Recycle Your Old Laptop Battery] : [How to Recycle Laptop Batteries] : [Laptop Battery Recycling] : [How to Recycle Laptop Batteries] : The Official CompTIA A+ Core 2 Instructor Guide (Exam 220-1102), page 10-12 : CompTIA CertMaster Learn for A+ Core 2 (220-1102) - Student Access Key : [What is a CRT Monitor?] : [How to Recycle CRT Monitors] : [CRT Monitor Recycling] : [How to Recycle CRT Monitors]

The best way to resolve the issue is to move factory applications to external memory. This will free up some space on the phone’s internal storage, which is required for updating the phone. To do this, you can follow these steps1:

• Insert a microSD card into your phone if you don’t have one already.
• Go to Settings > Apps and tap on the app you want to move.
• Tap on Storage and then on Change.
• Select the SD card option and tap on Move.

You may need to repeat this process for multiple apps until you have enough space to update your phone. Alternatively, you can also clear the cache and data of some apps, or uninstall the apps that you don’t use frequently. You can find more information on how to fix insufficient storage error on your phone in these articles234. I hope this helps.

UPS > Surge protector = Computer, wifi router, cable modem

Surge protector = wallOutlet , printer and scanner

Uninstalling and reinstalling the application can resolve the issue of it crashing immediately on an Android tablet, as it can fix any corrupted or missing files or settings. Clearing the application storage can also resolve the issue, as it can free up space and remove any conflicting data. Gaining root access to the tablet, resetting the web browser cache, deleting the application cache and disabling mobile device management are not likely to resolve the issue, as they do not affect how the application runs. Verified References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/how-to-fix-android-apps-crashing https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a

Incremental backup is a backup method that only backs up the files that have changed since the last backup, whether it was a full or an incremental backup. Incremental backup can save storage space and bandwidth, as it does not copy the same files over and over again. Incremental backup can also retain more versions of backups, as it only stores the changes made to the files. However, incremental backup can have longer restore times, as it requires restoring the last full backup and all the subsequent incremental backups in order to recover the data. The law firm is not concerned about restore times but asks the technician to retain more versions when possible, so incremental backup would be a suitable choice for them.

Clearing the cached file is an action that can help resolve the issue of not seeing the latest patch notes on a game vendor’s website. A cached file is a copy of a web page or file that is stored locally on the user’s browser or device for faster loading and offline access. However, sometimes a cached file may become outdated or corrupted and prevent the user from seeing the most recent or accurate version of a web page or file. Clearing the cached file can force the browser to download and display the latest version from the server instead of using the old copy from the cache. Synchronizing the browser data, enabling private browsing mode, and marking the site as trusted are not actions that can help resolve this issue.

The Linux command used to install an application is sudo. The sudo command allows users to run programs with the security privileges of another user, such as the root user. This is necessary to install applications because it requires administrative privileges1

The most effective method for dealing with spam messages in a small business is to provide user training1. Users should be trained to recognize spam messages and avoid opening them1. They should also be trained to report spam messages to the IT department so that appropriate action can be taken1. In addition, users should be trained to avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources1. By providing user training, the management team can reduce the risk of users opening spam messages and potentially infecting the network systems1.

• A. Disable the SSID broadcast1: The SSID broadcast is a feature that allows a Wi-Fi network to be visible to nearby devices. Disabling the SSID broadcast can make the network harder to find by unauthorized users, but it does not prevent them from accessing it if they know the network name and password.

The most likely reason the computer is unable to boot into the imaging system via the network is that the PXE boot option has not been enabled. PXE (Preboot Execution Environment) is an environment that allows computers to boot up over the network, instead of from a local disk. In order for this to work, the PXE boot option must be enabled in the computer's BIOS settings. As stated in the CompTIA A+ Core 2 exam objectives, technicians should know how to enable PXE in BIOS to enable network booting on a computer.

The most effective clarifying question for the help desk technician to ask the user in order to understand the issue is A. What is the error message? This question will help the technician to identify the possible cause and solution of the problem, as the error message will provide specific information about the nature and location of the error, such as the server name, the port number, the protocol, the authentication method, or the network status. The error message will also help the technician to troubleshoot the issue by following the suggested steps or searching for the error code online .

This question is more effective than the other choices because:

• B. Does the program work on another computer? is not a very helpful question, as it will not reveal the source of the error or how to fix it. The program may work on another computer for various reasons, such as different network settings, firewall rules, permissions, or software versions. However, this question will not tell the technician what is wrong with the user’s computer or the remote server, or what needs to be changed or updated to make the program work.
• C. Did the program ever work? is not a very relevant question, as it will not address the current issue or how to resolve it. The program may have worked in the past, but it may have stopped working due to changes in the network configuration, the server status, the software updates, or the user credentials. However, this question will not tell the technician what has changed or how to restore the program functionality.
• D. Is anyone else having this issue? is not a very useful question, as it will not explain the reason or the solution for the error. The issue may affect only the user, or multiple users, depending on the scope and the impact of the error. However, this question will not tell the technician what is causing the error or how to fix it for the user or the others.

References:

How to Troubleshoot Terminal Emulation Problems - Techwalla : How to Read and Understand Windows Error Messages - Lifewire : How to Troubleshoot Network Connectivity Problems - How-To Geek : How to Troubleshoot Software Problems - dummies : How to Troubleshoot Common PC Issues For Users - MakeUseOf

A VPN (virtual private network) is a protocol that creates a secure tunnel between two devices over the internet, hiding their IP addresses and encrypting their traffic. DNS (domain name system) is a protocol that translates domain names to IP addresses. IPS (intrusion prevention system) is a device that monitors and blocks malicious network traffic. SSH (secure shell) is a protocol that allows remote access and command execution on another device. Verified References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-a-vpn https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a

MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) is a security measure that often uses an SMS or third-party application as a secondary method to access a system. MFA requires the user to provide two or more pieces of evidence to prove their identity, such as something they know (e.g., password), something they have (e.g., phone), or something they are (e.g., fingerprint)2. WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) is a security protocol for wireless networks that does not use SMS or third-party applications. AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) is a symmetric encryption algorithm that does not use SMS or third-party applications. RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) is a network protocol that provides centralized authentication and authorization for remote access clients, but does not use SMS or third-party applications.

The SSID (Service Set Identifier) is the name of a wireless network that is broadcasted by the router or the Wi-Fi base station. The SSID helps nearby devices to identify and connect to the available networks. However, broadcasting the SSID also exposes the network to potential connection attempts from unauthorized or malicious users. Therefore, disabling the SSID can mitigate connection attempts by making the network invisible or hidden to the devices that are not already connected to it. To connect to a hidden network, the user would need to know the exact SSID and enter it manually.

The other options are not related to mitigating connection attempts to the corporate Wi-Fi. DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a protocol that assigns IP addresses to the devices on a network. Firewall is a software or hardware device that filters the incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predefined rules. SSD (Solid State Drive) is a type of storage device that uses flash memory to store data. Disabling any of these options would not prevent connection attempts to the Wi-Fi network, and may cause other problems or issues for the network functionality and performance.

References:

• What is SSID + how to find (and change) it1
• Choosing an SSID2
• SSID Meaning: Finding Your Network’s Name3

The user should verify that NFC is enabled on their phone. NFC is a technology that allows two devices to communicate with each other when they are in close proximity2.

NFC (Near Field Communication) technology allows a phone to wirelessly communicate with a payment terminal or other compatible device. In order to use NFC to make a payment or transfer information, the feature must be enabled on the phone. Therefore, the user should verify that NFC is enabled on their phone before attempting to make a payment with it. The other options, such as turning off airplane mode, connecting to Wi-Fi, or enabling Bluetooth, do not pertain to the NFC feature and are unlikely to resolve the issue. This information is covered in the Comptia A+ Core2 documents/guide under the Mobile Devices section.

The incident handler should clone any impacted hard drives to preserve evidence for possible litigation1

The strongest wireless configuration is B. WPA3. WPA3 is the most up-to-date wireless encryption protocol and is the most secure choice. It replaces PSK with SAE, a more secure way to do the initial key exchange. At the same time, the session key size of WPA3 increases to 128-bit in WPA3-Personal mode and 192-bit in WPA3-Enterprise, which makes the password harder to crack than the previous Wi-Fi security standards

https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/wep-wpa-wpa2-wpa3-explained/

The technician should use Disk Utility to resize a partition on the internal storage drive of a computer running macOS. Disk Utility is a built-in utility that allows users to manage disks, partitions, and volumes on a Mac. It can be used to resize, create, and delete partitions, as well as to format disks and volumes.

The most effective way to check other machines on the network for this unknown threat is to manually check each machine. This can help to identify any other machines that may be infected with the unknown virus and allow them to be cleaned.

 Bringing the device within Bluetooth range is the best way to troubleshoot the issue of inconsistent audio when using wireless headphones and moving around. Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows devices to communicate over short distances, typically up to 10 meters or 33 feet. If the device is too far from the headphones, the Bluetooth signal may be weak or interrupted, resulting in poor audio quality or loss of connection.

The risks in running this script are that the deployment script is performing unknown actions. Running the script blindly could cause unintended actions, such as deploying malware or deleting important files, which could negatively impact the organization’s network and data1.

A static entry is the best option to restore communication for the new machine in a small branch office that does not have a DHCP server. A static entry means manually configuring the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server for the network adapter of the machine. A static entry ensures that the machine has a valid and unique IP address that matches the network configuration and can communicate with the rest of the network.

The new machine automatically receives the IP address of 169.254.0.2 because it uses APIPA (Automatic Private IP Addressing), which is a feature that enables computers to self-assign an IP address when a DHCP server is not available. However, APIPA only works for local communication within the same subnet, and does not provide a default gateway or a DNS server. Therefore, the new machine is unable to communicate with the rest of the network, which may be on a different subnet or require a gateway or a DNS server to access.

The other options are not related to restoring communication for the new machine. ARP table is a cache that stores the mapping between IP addresses and MAC addresses for the devices on the network. NTP specification is a protocol that synchronizes the clocks of the devices on the network.

References:

• CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Core 2 Objectives1
• CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1102) Certification Study Guide2
• What is APIPA (Automatic Private IP Addressing)? - Study-CCNA3
• How to Configure a Static IP Address in Windows and OS X4

The newly installed OS is x86. The x86 version of Windows 10 can only use up to 4GB of RAM. The x64 version of Windows 10 can use up to 2TB of RAM1.

A PIN code is a numeric password that protects a mobile device against unwanted access when it is left unattended. It requires the user to enter the correct code before unlocking the device. OS updates, antivirus software and BYOD policy are other security measures for mobile devices, but they do not prevent unauthorized access when the device is left unattended. Verified References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/mobile-device-security https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a

Windows 10 Enterprise is an edition of Windows 10 that is designed for large organizations that need advanced security and management features. Windows 10 Enterprise can be activated using different methods, such as Multiple Activation Key (MAK), Active Directory-based Activation (ADBA), or Key Management Service (KMS)1. KMS is a method of activation that uses a local server to activate multiple devices on a network. KMS activations are valid for 180 days and need to be renewed periodically by connecting to the KMS server2. If a device does not renew its activation within 180 days, it will enter a grace period of 30 days, after which it will display a warning message and lose some functionality until it is reactivated3. The other editions of Windows 10 do not require reactivation every 180 days. Windows 10 Pro for Workstation is an edition of Windows 10 that is designed for high-performance devices that need advanced features such as ReFS file system, persistent memory, and faster file sharing. Windows 10 Pro for Workstation can be activated using a digital license or a product key. Windows 10 Home is an edition of Windows 10 that is designed for personal or home use. Windows 10 Home can be activated using a digital license or a product key. Windows 10 Pro is an edition of Windows 10 that is designed for business or professional use. Windows 10 Pro can be activated using a digital license or a product key. None of these editions require reactivation every 180 days unless there are significant hardware changes or other issues that affect the activation status.

Chain of custody is a process that helps ensure that a piece of evidence extracted from a PC is admissible in a court of law. Chain of custody refers to the documentation and tracking of who handled, accessed, modified, or transferred the evidence, when, where, why, and how. Chain of custody can help establish the authenticity, integrity, and reliability of the evidence, as well as prevent tampering, alteration, or loss of the evidence. Data integrity form, valid operating system license, and documentation of an incident are not processes that can ensure that a piece of evidence extracted from a PC is admissible in a court of law.

The desktop specialist should use a clean install to refresh the laptop. A clean install will remove all data and applications from the laptop and install a fresh copy of Windows 10, ensuring that the laptop is ready for the newly hired employee.

The technician should check the Wi-Fi connection speed first to troubleshoot this issue. Slow web browsing speed on a mobile phone can be caused by a slow Wi-Fi connection. The technician should check the Wi-Fi connection speed to ensure that it is fast enough to support web browsing. If the Wi-Fi connection speed is slow, the technician should troubleshoot the Wi-Fi network to identify and resolve the issue.

The Ease of Access Center is a built-in utility in Windows that provides tools and options for making a computer easier to use for individuals with disabilities, including the visually impaired. In the Ease of Access Center, the technician can turn on options like high contrast display, screen magnification, and screen reader software to help the user better interact with the computer.

Local Users and Groups is the best option to accomplish this task. Local Users and Groups is a tool that allows managing the local user accounts and groups on a Windows workstation. The technician can use this tool to create a new user account with administrator privileges or add an existing user account to the Administrators group. This way, the technician can log in with the administrator account and make system changes without elevating permissions. Group Policy Editor, Device Manager, and System Configuration are not correct answers for this question. Group Policy Editor is a tool that allows configuring policies and settings for users and computers in a domain environment. Device Manager is a tool that allows managing the hardware devices and drivers on a Windows workstation. System Configuration is a tool that allows modifying the startup options and services on a Windows workstation. None of these tools can directly grant administrator access to a user account. References:

• Official CompTIA learning resources CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2, page 13
• CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide: Core 1 Exam 220-1101 and Core 2 Exam …, page 103

The technician should instruct the user to clear the browser cache and contact the bank (option A). This error indicates that the website the user is visiting is not the correct website and is likely due to a cached version of the website being stored in the user's browser. Clearing the browser cache should remove any stored versions of the website and allow the user to access the correct website. The user should also contact the bank to confirm that they are visiting the correct website and to report the error.

Removing the applications from startup can improve the boot time of a PC by reducing the number of programs that load automatically when the PC starts. Some applications may add themselves to the startup list without the user’s knowledge or consent, which can slow down the PC’s performance. Running the Disk Cleanup utility can also improve the boot time of a PC by deleting unnecessary or temporary files that take up disk space and affect the PC’s speed. Disk Cleanup can also remove old system files that may cause conflicts or errors during booting. Installing additional RAM, installing a faster SSD, defragmenting the hard drive, and ending the processes in the Task Manager are not operations that would be best to do to resolve the issue of slow boot time at a minimal expense, as they may require purchasing new hardware or software, or may have negative impacts on other aspects of the PC’s performance.

The user can use the following commands to give the technician the correct information: ipconfig /all and hostname 1. The ipconfig /all command displays the IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway for all adapters on the computer 1. The hostname command displays the name of the computer 1.

The technician should change the default administrative password FIRST to ensure the network equipment is secured against external threats on the Internet. Changing the default administrative password is a basic security measure that can help prevent unauthorized access to the network equipment. Locking all devices in a closet is a physical security measure that can help prevent theft or damage to the devices, but it does not address external threats on the Internet. Ensuring all devices are from the same manufacturer is not a security measure and does not address external threats on the Internet. Installing the latest operating system and patches is important for maintaining the security of the network equipment, but it is not the first action the technician should take1

A software firewall is a program that monitors and controls the incoming and outgoing network traffic on a computer or a server. A software firewall can help prevent unauthorized LAN devices from accessing stored files on a company file server by applying rules and policies that filter the network packets based on their source, destination, protocol, port, or content. A software firewall can also block or allow specific applications or services from communicating with the network, and alert the administrator of any suspicious or malicious activity12.

A software firewall is a better option than the other choices because:

• Password complexity (B) is a good practice to protect the file server from unauthorized access, but it is not sufficient by itself. Password complexity refers to the use of strong passwords that are hard to guess or crack by attackers, and that are changed frequently and securely. Password complexity can prevent brute force attacks or credential theft, but it cannot stop network attacks that exploit vulnerabilities in the file server software or hardware, or that bypass the authentication process34.
• Antivirus application © and anti-malware scans (D) are important tools to protect the file server from viruses and malware that can infect, damage, or encrypt the stored files. However, they are not effective in preventing unauthorized LAN devices from accessing the files in the first place. Antivirus and anti-malware tools can only detect and remove known threats, and they may not be able to stop zero-day attacks or advanced persistent threats that can evade or disable them. Moreover, antivirus and anti-malware tools cannot control the network traffic or the file server permissions, and they may not be compatible with all file server platforms or configurations56.

References:

1: What is a Firewall and How Does it Work? - Cisco1 2: How to Harden Your Windows Server - ServerMania2 3: Password Security: Complexity vs. Length - Norton7 4: Password Hardening: 5 Ways to Protect Your Passwords - Infosec 5: What is Antivirus Software and How Does it Work? - Kaspersky 6: What is Anti-Malware? - Malwarebytes

AUP (Acceptable Use Policy) should be updated to reflect this new requirement. The AUP is a document that outlines the acceptable use of technology within an organization. It is a set of rules that employees must follow when using company resources. The AUP should be updated to include a policy on cryptocurrency mining on work desktops

The account access level the user will need to access advanced features and configuration settings for several applications while adhering to corporate policy requiring a least privilege environment is a standard account. This is because a standard account allows the user to access advanced features and configuration settings for several applications while adhering to corporate policy requiring a least privilege environment1.

 The most likely reason that the system is not utilizing all the available RAM is that the system is utilizing a 32-bit OS. A 32-bit OS is an operating system that uses 32 bits to address memory locations and perform calculations. A 32-bit OS can only support up to 4GB of RAM, and some of that RAM may be reserved for hardware devices or system functions, leaving less than 4GB of usable RAM for applications and processes. A 32-bit OS cannot recognize or utilize more than 4GB of RAM, even if more RAM is installed on the system. To utilize all the available RAM, the system needs to use a 64-bit OS, which can support much more RAM than a 32-bit OS. The system missing updates may cause some performance or compatibility issues, but it does not affect the amount of usable RAM on the system. The system’s memory failing may cause some errors or crashes, but it does not affect the amount of usable RAM on the system. The system requiring BIOS updates may cause some configuration or compatibility issues, but it does not affect the amount of usable RAM on the system. References: CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1002) Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0, Domain 1.1

Shredding is the best method to use for the physical destruction of SSDs because it reduces them to small pieces that cannot be recovered or accessed. Wiping, low-level formatting, and erasing are not effective methods for destroying SSDs because they do not physically damage the flash memory chips that store data1.

The best way for a technician to return the device to service safely is to reinstall the operating system. This is because the device is infected by ransomware, which is a form of malware that encrypts files and demands payment for decryption. Reinstalling the operating system will erase the ransomware and restore the device to its original state. However, this will also delete any data that was not backed up before the infection. Therefore, it is important to have regular backups of critical data and protect them from ransomware attacks1.

The other options are not effective or safe for ransomware recovery. Running an AV scan may not detect or remove the ransomware, especially if it is a new or unknown variant. Installing a software firewall may prevent future attacks, but it will not help with the current infection. Performing a system restore may not work if the ransomware has corrupted or deleted the restore points. Complying with the on-screen instructions is not advisable, as it will encourage the attackers and there is no guarantee that they will provide the decryption key after receiving the payment.

To prevent and recover from ransomware attacks, it is recommended to follow some best practices, such as234:

• Use strong passwords and multifactor authentication for all accounts and devices.
• Keep all software and firmware updated with the latest security patches.
• Avoid opening suspicious or unsolicited emails and attachments.
• Educate users and staff on how to recognize and report phishing and social engineering attempts.
• Use antivirus software and enable real-time protection.
• Enable network segmentation and firewall rules to limit the spread of ransomware.
• Implement a Zero Trust security model to verify all requests and devices before granting access.
• Create and test backups of critical data and store them offline or in a separate network.
• Recover safely by isolating the infected devices, identifying the ransomware variant, and restoring data from backups.
• Report any ransomware incidents to law enforcement agencies and seek help from experts.

Remote wipe capabilities are used to erase all data on a mobile device remotely. This can be useful in situations where a device is lost or stolen, or when sensitive data needs to be removed from a device. Remote wipe capabilities are most likely to be used in the following scenarios:

E. A user cannot locate the phone after attending a play at a theater. F. A user forgot the phone in a taxi, and the driver called the company to return the device1

In scenario E, remote wipe capabilities would be used to prevent unauthorized access to the device and to protect sensitive data. In scenario F, remote wipe capabilities would be used to erase all data on the device before it is returned to the user.

The command cac cor.ptia. txt was issued on a Linux terminal. This command would display the contents of the text comptia.txt.

The ext3 file system is a Linux native file system that meets the requirements of the question. It has the following features:

• All changes are tracked. The ext3 file system uses a journaling mechanism that records all changes to the file system metadata in a special log called the journal before applying them to the actual file system. This ensures that the file system can be restored to a consistent state in case of a power failure or system crash12.
• The possibility of file corruption is reduced. The journaling feature of ext3 also reduces the possibility of file corruption, as it avoids the need for a full file system check after an unclean shutdown. The file system can be quickly replayed from the journal and any inconsistencies can be fixed12.
• Data recovery is easy. The ext3 file system supports undeletion of files using tools such as ext3grep or extundelete, which can scan the file system for deleted inodes and attempt to recover the data blocks associated with them34.

References:

1: Introduction to Linux File System [Structure and Types] - MiniTool1 2: 7 Ways to Determine the File System Type in Linux (Ext2, Ext3 or Ext4) - Tecmint3 3: How to Recover Deleted Files in Linux with ext3grep 4: How to Recover Deleted Files from ext3 Partitions

Group Policy is the most likely tool to be used to change the security settings on a user’s device in a domain environment. Group Policy is a feature of Windows that allows administrators to manage and configure settings for multiple devices and users in a centralized way. Group Policy can be used to enforce security policies such as password complexity, account lockout, firewall rules, encryption settings, etc.

The technician most likely needs to change the default gateway on the workstation to resolve the issue. The default gateway is the IP address of the router that connects the workstation to the internet, and it is responsible for routing traffic between the workstation and the internet. If the default gateway is incorrect, the workstation will not be able to access external web pages.

A keylogger is a type of malware that records the keystrokes of a user and sends them to a remote attacker. A keylogger can be used to steal passwords, credit card numbers, personal information, and other sensitive data. A keylogger can be delivered through a USB drive that contains a malicious executable file, such as grabber.exe, and an output file that stores the captured keystrokes, such as output.txt. The other options are not likely to use this method of attack. References: : https://www.comptia.org/training/resources/exam-objectives/comptia-a-core-2-exam-objectives : https://www.kaspersky.com/resource-center/definitions/keylogger 

Phishing is the correct answer for this question. Phishing is a type of attack that uses fraudulent emails or other messages to trick users into revealing sensitive information or installing malicious software. Phishing emails often impersonate legitimate entities or individuals and offer incentives or threats to lure users into clicking on malicious links or attachments. In this scenario, the user received a removable USB device in the mail as a prize, which could be a phishing attempt to infect the user’s computer with malware or gain access to the user’s data. Dumpster diving, tailgating, and evil twin are not correct answers for this question. Dumpster diving is a type of attack that involves searching through trash bins or recycling containers to find discarded documents or devices that contain valuable information. Tailgating is a type of attack that involves following an authorized person into a restricted area without proper identification or authorization. Evil twin is a type of attack that involves setting up a rogue wireless access point that mimics a legitimate one to intercept or manipulate network traffic. References:

• Official CompTIA learning resources CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2, page 25
• [CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 Certification Study Guide], page 1004

Rebooting the smartphone is the first and simplest step to resolve the issue of frequent crashes and unresponsiveness. Rebooting clears the memory, closes the background apps, and refreshes the system. It can also fix minor glitches and bugs that may cause the calendar app or the smartphone to malfunction12. The other options are either too drastic or unnecessary. Reinstalling the application may not solve the problem if the issue is with the smartphone itself. Updating the smartphone’s OS may not be possible or helpful if the device is unresponsive or incompatible. Resetting the smartphone to factory settings will erase all the data and settings on the device, which should be the last resort.

References: 1 How to Reboot an Android Smartphone or Tablet(https://www.lifewire.com/reboot-android-smartphone-or-tablet-4127180) 2 How to Restart or Shut Down a Smartphone or Tablet(https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch001912.htm).

The Windows 10 desktop has Windows 10 Home installed, which does not support RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) as a host. Only Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions can act as RDP hosts and allow remote access to their desktops1. The Windows 10 desktop does not have DHCP configured, is connected via Wi-Fi, or is hibernating are not likely to prevent the RDP connection if the technician is able to ping the computer successfully.

OSX (now macOS) is an operating system that is considered closed source, meaning that its source code is not publicly available or modifiable by anyone except its developers. It is owned and maintained by Apple Inc. Ubuntu, Android and CentOS are operating systems that are considered open source, meaning that their source code is publicly available and modifiable by anyone who wants to contribute or customize them. Verified References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/open-source-vs-closed-source-software https://www. comptia.org/certifications/a

The most likely cause of this issue is that a router was misconfigured and was blocking traffic. This would explain why remote users who were not connected to corporate resources did not have any issues.

DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol and it is used to assign IP addresses and other network configuration parameters to devices on a network automatically. This is useful for devices that do not require the same private address each time they connect to the internet. 

Zombies and botnets are terms that describe the types of infections that can cause internal workstations to participate in a DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attack. A DDoS attack is a malicious attempt to disrupt the normal functioning of a website or a network by overwhelming it with a large amount of traffic from multiple sources. Zombies are infected computers that are remotely controlled by hackers without the owners’ knowledge or consent. Botnets are networks of zombies that are coordinated by hackers to launch DDoS attacks or other malicious activities. Keylogger, adware, ransomware, and spyware are not types of infections that can cause internal workstations to participate in a DDoS attack.

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts the files on the victim’s computer and demands a ransom for their decryption. Ransomware can cause high disk throughput by encrypting large amounts of data in a short time.

A certificate warning is a message that appears when a web browser cannot verify the identity or security of a website. It usually means that there is a problem with the website’s SSL certificate, such as expiration, invalidity, or mismatch. A certificate warning can indicate that the website is unsafe or compromised, and that the user’s connection is not private123.

References: 1 How to Fix "Your Connection Is Not Private" Errors - How-To Geek(https://www.howtogeek.com/874436/how-to-fix-your-connection-is-not-private-errors/) 2 How to fix a “Your connection is not private” error - Norton(https://us.norton.com/blog/how-to/your-connection-is-not-private) 3 "Your Connection Is Not Private" Error: 8 Ways to Fix It - HubSpot Blog(https://blog.hubspot.com/website/how-to-fix-your-connection-is-not-private).

Keychain is a feature of macOS that securely stores passwords, account numbers, and other confidential information for your Mac, apps, servers, and websites1. You can use the Keychain Access app on your Mac to view and manage your keychains and the items stored in them1. Keychain can also sync your passwords and other secure information across your devices using iCloud Keychain1. Keychain can be used as a password manager in macOS to help you keep track of and protect your passwords.

References: 1: Manage passwords using keychains on Mac (https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/use-keychains-to-store-passwords-mchlf375f392/mac)

 If this file is missing or corrupted, it can cause application crashes or errors when trying to open websites in a browser. To fix this, the technician can perform a system file check, which is a utility that scans and repairs corrupted or missing system files1. To perform a system file check, the technician can follow these steps:

• Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. To do this, type cmd in the search box on the taskbar, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
• In the Command Prompt window, type sfc /scannow and hit Enter. This will start the scanning and repairing process, which may take some time.
• Wait for the process to complete. If any problems are found and fixed, you will see a message saying Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them. If no problems are found, you will see a message saying Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.
• Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

Low-level wiping is the best data destruction method for recycling old hard drives for reuse. Low-level wiping is a process that overwrites every bit of data on a hard drive with zeros or random patterns, making it impossible to recover any data from the drive. Low-level wiping also restores the drive to its factory state, removing any bad sectors or errors that may have accumulated over time. Low-level wiping can be done using specialized software tools or hardware devices that connect to the drive. Degaussing, standard formatting, and deleting are not suitable data destruction methods for recycling old hard drives for reuse. Degaussing is a process that exposes a hard drive to a strong magnetic field, destroying both the data and the drive itself. Degaussing renders the drive unusable for reuse. Standard formatting is a process that erases the data on a hard drive by removing the file system structure, but it does not overwrite the data itself. Standard formatting leaves some data recoverable using forensic tools or software utilities. Deleting is a process that removes the data from a hard drive by marking it as free space, but it does not erase or overwrite the data itself. Deleting leaves most data recoverable using undelete tools or software utilities. References:

• Official CompTIA learning resources CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2, page 15
• CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide: Core 1 Exam 220-1101 and Core 2 Exam …, page 105

The type of backup that should be completed FIRST after installing a new backup and recovery system is a full backup. This is because a full backup is a complete backup of all data and is the foundation for all other backups. After a full backup is completed, other types of backups, such as differential and incremental backups, can be performed.

The smartphone’s line was not provisioned with a data plan. The user is unable to use any internet-related functions on the smartphone when it is not connected to Wi-Fi because the smartphone’s line was not provisioned with a data plan. The user can send and receive text messages and phone calls when the smartphone is not connected to Wi-Fi because these functions do not require an internet connection1

A firewall is a security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. In this scenario, the user is concerned about an installed application transmitting data in the background, so a firewall would be the best solution to address their concern. By installing and configuring a firewall, the user can block unauthorized connections to and from the device, and receive alerts whenever an application tries to access the internet.

Jailbreaking a device exposes it to various security risks, such as malware, data theft, network attacks, and service disruption1234. Running an antivirus and enabling encryption may not be enough to remove the threats and restore the device’s functionality. Undoing the jailbreak may not be possible or effective, depending on the method used. Backing up the files and doing a system restore may preserve the jailbreak and the associated problems. The best option is to erase the device and reinstall the original operating system that is compatible with the corporate policies and standards. This will ensure that the device is clean, secure, and compliant25.

References: 1 What is Jailbreaking & Is it safe? - Kaspersky(https://www.kaspersky.com/resource-center/definitions/what-is-jailbreaking).  2 Jailbreak Detection: Why is jailbreaking a potential security risk? - Cybersecurity ASEE(https://cybersecurity.asee.co/blog/what-is-jailbreaking/).  3 Jailbreaking Information for iOS Devices | University IT(https://uit.stanford.edu/service/mydevices/jailbreak) 4 What does it mean to jailbreak your phone—and is it legal? - Microsoft(https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-life-hacks/privacy-and-safety/what-is-jailbreaking-a-phone).  5 Resetting a corporate laptop back to a personal laptop… Enterprise vs Pro - Windows 10(https://community.spiceworks.com/topic/2196812-resetting-a-corporate-laptop-back-to-a-personal-laptop-enterprise-vs-pro).

VNC (Virtual Network Computing) is a remote access tool that allows the technician to access and control various Windows, Linux, and macOS desktops on the company LAN using a graphical user interface. VNC does not require an external internet connection, as it works over a local network or a VPN. VNC uses a client-server model, where the server runs on the remote desktop and the client connects to it from another device. VNC can transmit the keyboard and mouse events from the client to the server, and the screen updates from the server to the client, enabling the technician to interact with the remote desktop as if it were local12.

VNC is a better option than the other choices because:

• RMM (Remote Monitoring and Management) (B) is not a single software solution, but a category of software solutions that enable IT professionals to remotely monitor, manage, and troubleshoot multiple devices and networks. RMM software may include remote access tools, but also other features such as patch management, backup and recovery, security, reporting, and automation. RMM software may require an external internet connection, as it often relies on cloud-based services or web-based consoles34.
• RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) © is a remote access tool that allows the technician to access and control Windows desktops on the company LAN using a graphical user interface. However, RDP is not compatible with Linux or macOS desktops, unless they have third-party software installed that can emulate or translate the RDP protocol. RDP also has some security and performance issues, such as encryption vulnerabilities, bandwidth consumption, and latency problems56.
• SSH (Secure Shell) (D) is a remote access tool that allows the technician to access and control various Windows, Linux, and macOS desktops on the company LAN using a command-line interface. SSH does not require an external internet connection, as it works over a local network or a VPN. SSH uses encryption and authentication to secure the communication between the client and the server. However, SSH does not provide a graphical user interface, which may limit the functionality and usability of the remote desktop7 .

References:

1: What is VNC? - Definition from Techopedia1 2: How VNC Works - RealVNC2 3: What is Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM)? - Definition from Techopedia3 4: What is RMM Software? - NinjaRMM4 5: What is Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)? - Definition from Techopedia5 6: Remote Desktop Protocol: What it is and how to secure it - CSO Online6 7: What is Secure Shell (SSH)? - Definition from Techopedia7 : How to Use SSH to Access a Remote Server in Linux or Windows - Hostinger Tutorials

AutoRun is a feature of Windows that automatically executes a program or file when a removable media such as a USB drive is inserted into the computer. Disabling AutoRun can prevent a USB drive containing malicious software from covertly installing malware on a workstation, as it would require the user to manually open the drive and run the file. Restricting user permissions can also prevent a USB drive containing malicious software from covertly installing malware on a workstation, as it would limit the user’s ability to execute or install unauthorized programs or files. Installing a host-based IDS, restricting log-in times, enabling a BIOS password, updating the password complexity, and updating the antivirus definitions are not actions that can directly prevent this incident from happening again.

The 32-bit operating system can only run 32-bit applications, so the technician should execute the 32-bit installer. The “x86” in the file name refers to the 32-bit architecture. 

https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/32-bit-vs-64-bit-operating-systems/

 BitLocker is only available on Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions1. Therefore, the technician is unable to find the BitLocker Drive Encryption menu item in Control Panel because it is not included in the Windows 10 Home edition1.

• A. Device drivers23: Device drivers are software components that enable the operating system to communicate with hardware devices. Different devices may require different drivers, so the desktop engineer should include the appropriate drivers in the master image or configure the deployment process to install them automatically.
• C. Installed application license keys2: Installed application license keys are codes that activate or authenticate software applications. Some applications may require license keys to be entered during installation or after deployment. The desktop engineer should include the license keys in the master image or configure the deployment process to apply them automatically.

The best way to fix the issue of slow cellular connection in the office is to connect to the company’s Wi-Fi network. This will allow the user’s mobile phone to access the internet through a faster and more reliable wireless network, instead of relying on the cellular network. Connecting to the Wi-Fi network will also save the user’s data usage and battery life.

Some of the factors that can affect the cellular connection speed are the distance from the cell tower, the obstructions between the phone and the tower, the network congestion, the network technology, and the features of the phone12. In the office, the user may experience a weak or unstable cellular signal due to the building structure, the location, or the interference from other devices. Therefore, switching to the Wi-Fi network can improve the performance of the phone’s applications and web browsing.

References:

• CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Core 2 Objectives3
• CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1102) Certification Study Guide4
• Factors affecting the speed and quality of internet connection1
• Why Is Your Mobile Data So Slow? How to Speed It Up in 10 Steps2

A cryptominer is a malicious program that uses the CPU resources of a computer to generate cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum. This can cause the CPU to run at 100% utilization and slow down the system. Spyware, virus and keylogger are other types of malware, but they do not necessarily cause high CPU usage. Verified References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-cryptomining https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a

 The user is experiencing a vishing attack. Vishing stands for voice phishing and is a type of social-engineering attack that uses phone calls or voice messages to trick users into revealing personal or financial information. Vishing attackers often pretend to be from legitimate organizations, such as banks, government agencies or service providers, and use various tactics, such as urgency, fear or reward, to persuade users to comply with their requests. Phishing is a type of social-engineering attack that uses fraudulent emails or websites to trick users into revealing personal or financial information. Phishing does not involve phone calls or voice messages. Smishing is a type of social-engineering attack that uses text messages or SMS to trick users into revealing personal or financial information. Smishing does not involve phone calls or voice messages. Whaling is a type of social-engineering attack that targets high-profile individuals, such as executives, celebrities or politicians, to trick them into revealing personal or financial information. Whaling does not necessarily involve phone calls or voice messages. References: CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1002) Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0, Domain 3.1

Sandbox testing is a method of testing changes in a simulated environment that mimics the real one, without affecting the actual production system. Sandbox testing is useful for change management because it allows the testers to evaluate the change before deployment, and ensure that it works as intended, does not cause any errors or conflicts, and meets the requirements and expectations of the stakeholders. Sandbox testing also helps to protect the investment in the existing system, as it reduces the risk of introducing bugs or breaking functionality that could harm the customer experience or the business operations. Sandbox testing also gives the testers more control over the customer experience, as they can experiment with different scenarios and configurations, and optimize the change for the best possible outcome.

References:

1: Change Management and Sandbox - Quickbase1 2: Embracing change: Build, test, and adapt in a sandbox environment - Zendesk3

System is the Control Panel utility that should be used to change the Path Environment Variable. The Path Environment Variable is a system variable that specifies the directories where executable files are located. To edit the Path Environment Variable, the technician should go to System > Advanced system settings > Environment Variables and then select Path from the list of system variables and click Edit.

Pathping is the best command-line tool to provide the most detailed information for investigating the network performance issue further. Pathping is a utility that combines the functions of ping and tracert, which are two other command-line tools that test network connectivity and latency. Pathping sends packets to each router on the path to a destination and then computes results based on the packets returned from each hop. Pathping can show the route taken by the packets, the number of hops, the latency of each hop, and the packet loss percentage. This information can help the systems administrator identify where the network problem occurs and how severe it is. Ipconfig, arp, and nslookup are not as useful as pathping for this task. Ipconfig shows the configuration of the network interface card, such as IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway. Arp shows the mapping of IP addresses to MAC addresses in the local network. Nslookup queries DNS servers for domain name resolution. References:

• Official CompTIA learning resources CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2, page 21
• CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102) Cert Guide, page 457

Ease of Access is a utility in the Control Panel that allows users to adjust various accessibility settings on Windows, such as the on-screen keyboard, magnifier, narrator, high contrast, etc. The on-screen keyboard can be turned on by going to Ease of Access > Keyboard and toggling the switch to On12. Alternatively, the on-screen keyboard can be opened by pressing Windows + Ctrl + O keys or by typing osk.exe in the Run dialog box3.

References: 1 Use the On-Screen Keyboard (OSK) to type(https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/use-the-on-screen-keyboard-osk-to-type-ecbb5e08-5b4e-d8c8-f794-81dbf896267a) 2 How to Enable or Disable the On-Screen Keyboard in Windows 10 - Lifewire(https://www.lifewire.com/enable-or-disable-on-screen-keyboard-in-windows-10-5180667) 3 On-Screen Keyboard Settings, Tips and Tricks in Windows 11/10(https://www.thewindowsclub.com/windows-onscreen-keyboard).

 Badge reader and motion sensor are devices that can be deployed to enhance physical security for a building. A badge reader is a device that scans and verifies an identification card or tag that grants access to authorized personnel only. A badge reader can help prevent unauthorized entry or intrusion into a building or a restricted area. A motion sensor is a device that detects movement and triggers an alarm or an action when motion is detected. A motion sensor can help deter or alert potential intruders or trespassers in a building or an area. Multifactor authentication is a method of verifying identity using two or more factors, such as something you know, something you have or something you are. Multifactor authentication is not a device that can be deployed to enhance physical security for a building but a technique that can be used to enhance logical security for systems or services. Personal identification number is a numeric code that can be used as part of authentication or access control. Personal identification number is not a device that can be deployed to enhance physical security for a building but an example of something you know factor in multifactor authentication. Firewall is a device or software that filters network traffic based on rules and policies. Firewall is not a device that can be deployed to enhance physical security for a building but a device that can be used to enhance network security for systems or services. Soft token is an application or software that generates one-time passwords or codes for authentication purposes. Soft token is not a device that can be deployed to enhance physical security for a building but an example of something you have factor in multifactor authentication. References: CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1002) Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0, Domain 3.3

Robocopy is a command-line utility that can be used to mirror the source data for the backup. It can copy files and folders with various options, such as copying only changed files, preserving attributes and permissions, and retrying failed copies. Robocopy is more powerful and flexible than copy or xcopy, which are simpler commands that can only copy files and folders without mirroring or other advanced features. Copy-Item is a PowerShell cmdlet that can also copy files and folders, but it is not a native Windows utility and it requires PowerShell to run1.

References: 1: https://windowsreport.com/mirror-backup-software/

The error message indicates that the security certificate presented by the website has either expired or is not yet valid. This can happen if the computer's clock has the wrong date or time, as SSL/TLS certificates have a specific validity period. If the clock is off by too much, it may cause the certificate to fail to validate. Therefore, the technician should check the computer's date and time and ensure that they are correct.

The correct answers are B. Removing the applications from startup and E. Defragmenting the hard drive. These are the operations that would be best to do to resolve the issue of a slow boot at a minimal expense.

• Removing the applications from startup means disabling the programs that run automatically when the PC is turned on. This will reduce the load on the CPU and RAM and speed up the boot process1.
• Defragmenting the hard drive means rearranging the files on the disk so that they are stored in contiguous blocks. This will improve the disk performance and reduce the time it takes to read and write data2.

1: CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 2 Objectives, page 23, section 3.1. 2: CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 2 Objectives, page 24, section 3.2.

yum (Yellowdog Updater Modified) is a package management utility for PCs that are running the Linux operating system. It can be used to install, update and remove software packages from repositories. chmod (change mode) is a command that changes the permissions of files and directories in Linux. man (manual) is a command that displays the documentation of other commands in Linux. grep (global regular expression print) is a command that searches for patterns in text files in Linux. Verified References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/linux-package-management https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a

Device compatibility is an advantage of using WPA2 instead of WPA3. WPA2 is the previous version of the Wi-Fi Protected Access protocol, which provides security and encryption for wireless networks. WPA3 is the latest version, which offers improved security features, such as stronger encryption, enhanced protection against brute-force attacks, and easier configuration. However, WPA3 is not backward compatible with older devices that only support WPA2 or earlier protocols. Therefore, using WPA3 may limit the range of devices that can connect to the wireless network. Connection security, encryption key length, and offline decryption resistance are advantages of using WPA3 instead of WPA2. References:

• Official CompTIA learning resources CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2, page 24
• CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide (Exams 220-1101 & …, page 1000

VNC will allow a technician to see the issue along with the user when an organization is centralizing support functions and requires the ability to support a remote user’s desktop1

"The user thought the company-provided antivirus software would prevent this issue."

The most likely steps to resolve the issue are to deploy an ad-blocking extension to the browser and perform a reset on the user’s web browser. Ad-blocking extensions can help to prevent pop-ups and other unwanted content from appearing in the browser, and resetting the browser can help to remove any malicious extensions or settings that may be causing the issue.

The most likely reason that the system is not utilizing all the available RAM is that it is running a 32-bit OS. A 32-bit OS can only address up to 4GB of RAM, and some of that is reserved for hardware and system use1. Therefore, even if the technician installed 8GB of RAM, the system can only use around 3.5GB of usable RAM. To use the full 8GB of RAM, the technician would need to install a 64-bit OS, which can address much more memory2. The system missing updates, the system’s memory failing, or the system requiring BIOS updates are not likely to cause this issue.

References: 2: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-10-system-requirements-6d4e9a79-66bf-7950-467c-795cf0386715  1: https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/unlock-64gb-ram-32-bit-windows-pae-patch/

The technician should provide the user with a unique ticket number that can be referenced on subsequent calls to make sure the ticket is associated with the correct user. This is because registering the ticket with a unique user identifier, having the user provide a callback phone number to be added to the ticket, or assigning the ticket to the department’s power user will not ensure that the ticket is associated with the correct user2.

The tool that the technician should use to resolve the connection issues with the third-party USB adapter is devmgmt.msc. Devmgmt.msc is a command that opens the Device Manager, which is a utility that allows users to view and manage the hardware devices and drivers installed on a computer. The technician can use the Device Manager to check the status, properties and compatibility of the USB adapter and its driver, and perform actions such as updating, uninstalling or reinstalling the driver, enabling or disabling the device, or scanning for hardware changes. Taskschd.msc is a command that opens the Task Scheduler, which is a utility that allows users to create and manage tasks that run automatically at specified times or events. The Task Scheduler is not relevant or useful for resolving connection issues with the USB adapter. Eventvwr.msc is a command that opens the Event Viewer, which is a utility that allows users to view and monitor the system logs and events. The Event Viewer may provide some information or clues about the connection issues with the USB adapter, but it does not allow users to manage or troubleshoot the device or its driver directly. Diskmgmt.msc is a command that opens the Disk Management, which is a utility that allows users to view and manage the disk drives and partitions on a computer. The Disk Management is not relevant or useful for resolving connection issues with the USB adapter. References: CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1002) Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0, Domain 1.6

 Windows Home is the most likely edition of Windows installed on the machines that do not have the domain join option. Windows Home is a consumer-oriented edition that does not support joining a domain or using Group Policy. Only Windows Professional, Education, and Enterprise editions can join a domain

If a rootkit has caused a deep infection, then the only way to remove the rootkit is to reinstall the operating system. This is because rootkits are designed to be difficult to detect and remove, and they can hide in the operating system’s kernel, making it difficult to remove them without reinstalling the operating system

https://www.minitool.com/backup-tips/how-to-get-rid-of-rootkit-windows-10.html

Private-browsing mode is the best option to mitigate the risk of customer data being accidentally saved to the kiosk. Private-browsing mode prevents the browser from storing cookies, history, passwords, and other data that could reveal the customer’s identity or preferences. Manually clearing browsing data is not a reliable option, as it depends on the customer’s awareness and willingness to do so. Browser data synchronization and password manager are features that could actually increase the risk of customer data being exposed, as they could sync or autofill sensitive information across devices or accounts. References:

• Official CompTIA learning resources CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2, page 12
• Certification Study Guides and Books | CompTIA IT Certifications, CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 Certification Study Guide, page 234

A keylogger is a type of malware that captures user input, such as keystrokes, mouse clicks, and clipboard data, and sends it to a malicious actor. Keyloggers can be used to steal passwords, credit card numbers, personal information, and other sensitive data.

Vishing, also known as voice phishing, is a type of social engineering attack where the attacker tricks the victim into divulging sensitive information over the phone. In this case, the attacker tricked the user into providing login credentials for a website.

DNS (domain name system) is a protocol that translates domain names to IP addresses. If the computer has an incorrect DNS address assigned, it will not be able to resolve the domain names of web-based applications and access them. A firewall, a VLAN (virtual local area network) and a browser cache are not the most likely reasons for the issue, since the computer can ping known IP addresses on the internet and receive a response. Verified References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-dns https://www.comptia.org/certifica tions/a

The first step a technician should take when troubleshooting a computer with a suspected short in the power supply is B. Disconnect the power before servicing the PC. This is to prevent any electrical shock or damage to the components. A power supply can be dangerous even when unplugged, as capacitors can maintain a line voltage charge for a long time1. Therefore, it is important to disconnect the power cord and press the power button to discharge any residual power before opening the case2. The other steps are also important for safety and proper diagnosis, but they should be done after disconnecting the power.

Anti-phishing training is a method of educating users on how to identify and avoid phishing attacks, which are attempts to trick users into revealing sensitive information or performing malicious actions by impersonating legitimate entities or persons. Whaling attacks are a specific type of phishing attack that target high-level executives or influential individuals within an organization. Anti-phishing training can help users recognize the signs of whaling attacks and prevent them from falling victim to them. Screened subnet, firewall, and antivirus are not items that can directly address the issue of whaling attacks.

Open-ended questions are questions that require more than a yes or no answer and encourage the customer to provide more details and information. Using open-ended questions can help the support technician to understand the problem better, identify the root cause, and find a suitable solution. Some examples of open-ended questions are:

• What exactly is not working on your machine?
• When did you notice the problem?
• How often does the problem occur?
• What were you doing when the problem happened?
• What have you tried to fix the problem?

Offering to wipe and reset the device for the customer is not a good option, as it may result in data loss and inconvenience for the customer. It should be used as a last resort only if other troubleshooting steps fail. Advising that the help desk will investigate and follow up at a later date is not a good option, as it may leave the customer unsatisfied and frustrated. It should be used only if the problem requires further research or escalation and cannot be resolved on the first call. Putting the customer on hold and escalating the call to a manager is not a good option, as it may waste time and resources. It should be used only if the problem is beyond the support technician’s scope or authority and requires managerial intervention.

The first mitigation step that a technician should take when a machine is suspected to contain ransomware is to quarantine the system. This means isolating the infected machine from the network and other devices, to prevent the ransomware from spreading and encrypting more data. The technician can quarantine the system by disconnecting the network cable, turning off the wireless adapter, or using firewall rules to block the traffic from and to the machine12.

This step is more important than the other options because:

• Disabling System Restore (A) is not a priority, as it will not stop the ransomware from running or spreading. System Restore is a feature that allows users to restore their system to a previous state, but it may not work if the ransomware has encrypted or deleted the restore points. Moreover, disabling System Restore may prevent the user from recovering some data or settings in the future13.
• Remediating the system (B) is the ultimate goal, but it cannot be done before quarantining the system. Remediating the system means removing the ransomware, restoring the data, and fixing the vulnerabilities that allowed the attack. However, this process requires careful analysis, planning, and execution, and it may not be possible if the ransomware is still active and communicating with the attackers. Therefore, the technician should first isolate the system and then proceed with the remediation steps12.
• Educating the system user © is a preventive measure, but it is not a mitigation step. Educating the system user means raising awareness and providing training on how to avoid ransomware attacks, such as by recognizing phishing emails, avoiding suspicious links or attachments, and updating and patching the system regularly. However, this step will not help if the system is already infected, and it may not be effective if the user is not willing or able to follow the best practices. Therefore, the technician should focus on resolving the current incident and then educate the user as part of the recovery plan14.

References:

1: How to Mitigate Ransomware Attacks in 10 Steps - Heimdal Security1 2: 3 steps to prevent and recover from ransomware | Microsoft Security Blog3 3: How to use System Restore on Windows 10 | Windows Central5 4: Ransomware Mitigation | Prevention and Mitigation Strategies - Delinea4

Proper ventilation is a factor that can extend the life of a device by preventing overheating and thermal damage to the device’s components. Proper ventilation means ensuring that there is enough airflow around and inside the device to dissipate heat and maintain a suitable temperature for optimal performance. Proper ventilation can be achieved by using fans, heat sinks, vents, or liquid cooling systems, as well as avoiding placing the device near heat sources or in enclosed spaces. Battery backup, electrostatic discharge mat, and green disposal are not factors that can extend the life of a device.