Question

Difficulty: EasyMalware Symptoms and Standard Removal Procedures

A technician identifies that a Windows computer is infected with malware. Arrange the following steps of the standard CompTIA malware removal procedure in the correct sequential order from first to last.

  1. 1Disconnect the computer from the local network and disable wireless connections.
  2. 2Turn off System Restore in Windows to remove existing restore points.
  3. 3Update the anti-malware signatures and perform a full system scan.
  4. 4Enable System Restore and create a clean restore point.

Answer

The correct sequence of steps is: 1) Disconnect the computer from the local network and disable wireless connections, 2) Turn off System Restore in Windows to remove existing restore points, 3) Update the anti-malware signatures and perform a full system scan, and 4) Enable System Restore and create a clean restore point.
According to CompTIA's standard 7-step malware removal procedure, isolation of the infected system must occur first (Step 2) to stop the spread of infection. Disabling System Restore follows (Step 3) to clear infected restore points. Next, remediation occurs by updating anti-malware definitions and running scans (Step 4). Finally, System Restore is re-enabled and a clean restore point is created (Step 6) after verifying system cleanliness.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Isolate the infected device
Network communication is severed, stopping potential lateral movement or C2 communication.
CompTIA Step 2 (Isolate infected systems) must happen before modifying system configuration or scanning.
2
Disable System Restore
All existing restore points (which may contain malware copies) are purged.
CompTIA Step 3 (Disable System Restore) prevents reinfection from system restore points during remediation.
3
Remediate infected systems
Malware is scanned and removed using current signatures.
CompTIA Step 4 (Remediate infected systems) cleans the operating system environment.
4
Enable System Restore
A clean recovery baseline is established for future system protection.
CompTIA Step 6 (Enable System Restore and create a restore point) takes place after the malware is confirmed removed.

Key Concept

CompTIA 7-Step Malware Removal Process
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