Security

442 questions

Question 281Question

A systems administrator is establishing security baselines for a new fleet of corporate smartphones to protect sensitive local data if a device is lost or stolen. Which TWO security controls should the administrator deploy on these devices to directly protect data at rest and prevent unauthorized access upon physical loss? (Select TWO.)

Select all that apply

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Enable full-device storage encryption; Configure remote wipe functionality via Mobile Device Management (MDM)

Answer

The correct security controls to protect data on lost or stolen mobile devices are enabling full-device storage encryption and configuring remote wipe functionality via Mobile Device Management (MDM).
Enabling full-device storage encryption and configuring remote wipe capability directly safeguard data on lost or stolen smartphones. Storage encryption ensures that data at rest remains unreadable without valid authentication, while remote wipe allows administrators to clean sensitive files remotely if physical possession of the device cannot be recovered.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the security objective.
The target objective is protecting data at rest and mitigating risks if physical control of a mobile device is lost.
Mobile devices are vulnerable to theft and loss, requiring controls focused on local storage confidentiality and emergency data removal.
2
Evaluate options for protecting stored data directly on the hardware.
Full-device storage encryption ensures that raw data cannot be read off the internal flash memory without authentication.
Encryption is the standard control for protecting data at rest.
3
Evaluate options for incident remediation following device loss.
Remote wipe capability allows IT administrators to clear device contents over cellular or Wi-Fi networks.
Erasing data remotely prevents persistent exposure of corporate data.

Key Concept

Mobile data-at-rest protection and lost device remediation (Full-Device Encryption and Remote Wipe)
Question 282Question

A IT support specialist is configuring wireless connectivity for a law firm's main office. Management requires that each employee authenticate using their own centralized corporate user credentials rather than connecting with a shared passphrase. Which wireless security standard and protocol combination should the specialist implement to satisfy this requirement?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: WPA3-Enterprise with 802.1X authentication

Answer

WPA3-Enterprise with 802.1X authentication
WPA3-Enterprise combined with 802.1X provides centralized access control by passing client authentication requests to a RADIUS server, allowing employees to log in using their distinct domain credentials.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze authentication requirement
Identified the need for individual user credential authentication backed by a centralized server.
The organization specified that users must not share a single passphrase, requiring centralized account validation.
2
Evaluate wireless security modes
Personal (PSK/SAE) modes use shared passphrases, whereas Enterprise modes leverage 802.1X and RADIUS for centralized per-user authentication.
802.1X provides Port-Based Network Access Control suited for enterprise credential verification.
3
Select the modern, secure standard
WPA3-Enterprise combined with 802.1X is the recommended implementation.
WPA3 provides robust encryption standards while Enterprise mode satisfies the requirement for central user authentication.

Key Concept

Wireless Security Modes (Personal vs. Enterprise)
Question 283Question

A systems engineer is hardening Windows 11 Pro workstations deployed in a high-security kiosk environment. Organizational security policy mandates two key User Account Control (UAC) behaviors:

1. When standard users attempt any operation that requires elevated privileges, the system must immediately reject the attempt without displaying a credential prompt.
2. When administrator accounts operating in Admin Approval Mode attempt elevated tasks, they must be required to re-enter their administrative password on the secure desktop to proceed.

Which TWO settings in Local Security Policy (secpol.msc) under Security Options must be configured to meet these requirements? (Select TWO.)

Select all that apply

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Set "User Account Control: Behavior of the elevation prompt for standard users" to "Automatically deny elevation requests"; Set "User Account Control: Behavior of the elevation prompt for administrators in Admin Approval Mode" to "Prompt for credentials on the secure desktop"

Answer

The technician must configure 'User Account Control: Behavior of the elevation prompt for standard users' to 'Automatically deny elevation requests' and set 'User Account Control: Behavior of the elevation prompt for administrators in Admin Approval Mode' to 'Prompt for credentials on the secure desktop'.
Configuring standard user elevation behavior to 'Automatically deny elevation requests' prevents non-admin users from seeing credential entry dialogs when attempting protected actions. Additionally, setting administrator elevation behavior to 'Prompt for credentials on the secure desktop' ensures administrators must provide valid credentials on an isolated screen before privileges are granted.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the standard user requirement.
To ensure standard user accounts are blocked immediately from elevating without presenting a credential entry interface, set 'User Account Control: Behavior of the elevation prompt for standard users' to 'Automatically deny elevation requests'.
This policy suppresses standard user privilege elevation prompts entirely, enforcing strict access controls on kiosk machines.
2
Identify the administrator elevation requirement.
To require administrators in Admin Approval Mode to re-authenticate on an isolated screen, set 'User Account Control: Behavior of the elevation prompt for administrators in Admin Approval Mode' to 'Prompt for credentials on the secure desktop'.
The secure desktop prevents unauthorized soft/malware interference while requiring full password entry for any administrative privilege escalation.

Key Concept

Windows Local Security Policy UAC Elevation Prompt Behaviors
Question 284Question

A cybersecurity analyst at a healthcare organization isolates an infected Windows endpoint by disconnecting its network interface and disabling all wireless radios following detection of active spyware transmission. According to the CompTIA standard 7-step malware remediation process, which TWO actions must the analyst perform NEXT immediately prior to running a full system scan? (Select TWO.)

Select all that apply

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Disable System Restore on all system drives; Update the anti-malware signature definitions

Answer

The analyst must disable System Restore on all system drives and update the anti-malware signature definitions before conducting the remediation scan.
In the standard CompTIA 7-step malware remediation methodology (1. Identify, 2. Quarantine, 3. Disable System Restore, 4. Remediate, 5. Schedule scans, 6. Enable System Restore/Create restore point, 7. Educate user), once quarantine is accomplished, the technician must disable System Restore and update antimalware signature definitions before running the remediation scan.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the current stage in the CompTIA 7-step malware remediation process
The scenario states that symptoms were identified (Step 1) and the system has already been quarantined (Step 2).
Determining the completed steps establishes what must happen next in the standardized workflow.
2
Identify the next sequential step in the process
Step 3 requires disabling System Restore to prevent infected files from being saved or backed up during clean-up.
If System Restore remains enabled, malicious code can persist within restore snapshots.
3
Identify the initial action required within Step 4 (Remediate infected systems)
Step 4a mandates updating anti-malware software and signature definitions prior to executing the actual system scan (Step 4b).
Scanning with outdated definitions can cause the anti-malware scanner to miss newly identified variants of spyware.

Key Concept

CompTIA 7-Step Malware Remediation Order
Estimated Time:2m 0s
Question 285Question

A systems technician is tasked with re-hardening a company laptop that was recently returned from a high-risk remote assignment before allowing it back onto the internal corporate network. Arrange the following workstation hardening and remediation steps in the correct procedural sequence from first to last.

Drag items to arrange them in the correct order

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct sequence for re-hardening the remote workstation is: 1) Disconnect all physical and wireless network interfaces to isolate the device, 2) Boot the system using a trusted external rescue disk to perform an offline malware scan, 3) Disable the built-in Guest account and unbind non-essential network protocol bindings and services, 4) Configure Local Security Policy to enforce password-protected screen saver locks and disable AutoPlay/AutoRun, and 5) Connect the workstation to a restricted remediation VLAN to apply system updates and patch definitions.
Hardening a returning untrusted endpoint must always follow a defense-in-depth sequence: Isolation → Verification/Cleaning → OS Baseline Reduction → Policy Enforcement → Segregated Updating. Isolating network access first prevents threat proliferation. Offline scanning verifies system integrity. Disabling unused accounts and services reduces attack surface. Enforcing Local Security Policy ensures endpoint operational security, and using a segregated remediation VLAN allows patching without exposing production assets.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Isolate the endpoint
Network communication is completely severed.
Prevents command-and-control communication or lateral movement of potential malware while the device is in an unverified security state.
2
Perform offline security verification
Malware scan completes without OS-level interference.
Scanning offline guarantees that malicious kernel drivers or rootkits are inactive and detectable.
3
Apply attack surface reduction baselines
Unused services, protocols, and default accounts are disabled.
Eliminating unnecessary services minimizes potential vectors for unauthorized local or remote access.
4
Enforce endpoint compliance policies
Screensaver locks and AutoPlay restrictions are active.
Configuring Local Security Policy hardens the OS against physical tampering and unauthorized removable media execution.
5
Patch and update in a controlled environment
OS patches and antivirus signatures are fully updated.
Using a isolated remediation VLAN ensures updates are retrieved safely before the endpoint is granted production network access.

Key Concept

Workstation Hardening and Incident Remediation Lifecycle
Question 286Question

An enterprise employee contacts the helpdesk after a pop-up window appears on their web browser claiming their computer is severely infected with malware. The pop-up instructs the user to call an unverified toll-free technical support number immediately to purchase remediation software. The company's installed security software indicates the operating system is clean. Which of the following social engineering threat types is being attempted?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Scareware

Answer

The threat described is scareware, which uses false security warnings and fear tactics to manipulate users into taking harmful financial or operational actions.
Scareware leverages psychological pressure and fake system alerts to convince victims that their device is compromised, prompting them to pay for fake software or call rogue support numbers.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the indicators provided in the scenario.
The user received an unexpected pop-up claiming malware infection and demanding immediate phone contact/payment, while installed antivirus tools report clean status.
Identifying tactics such as coercive urgency, false infection messages, and solicitation of payment helps isolate the attack method.
2
Differentiate between threat classifications.
The scenario highlights anxiety-driven intimidation via fake warnings rather than targeted email messaging (spear phishing), persona fabrication (pretexting), or site compromises (watering hole).
Scareware specifically utilizes fake security notifications to trick users into installing rogue software or making payments.

Key Concept

Scareware and Social Engineering Threat Classification
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 287Question

An IT technician is preparing to decommission several enterprise magnetic hard disk drives (HDDs) containing sensitive personnel records. To adhere to organizational security policies and maintain regulatory compliance, the disposal process must follow strict data sanitization and chain-of-custody procedures. In what sequence should the technician perform the following decommissioning steps?

Drag items to arrange them in the correct order

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Answer

The correct sequence begins with logging the drive serial numbers for chain-of-custody tracking, followed by performing a logical sanitization pass, executing physical destruction or degaussing, and finally obtaining and archiving a Certificate of Destruction.
Proper media disposal mandates initializing chain-of-custody documentation first by logging serial numbers. Next, logical sanitization (overwriting) is performed while drives are operational. Physical destruction (degaussing or shredding) permanently renders media unreadable, and finally, obtaining a Certificate of Destruction completes compliance recording.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Establish chain-of-custody logging
Drive serial numbers and asset tags are logged into inventory tracking.
Tracking must begin prior to handling or transport to establish legal accountability for sensitive media.
2
Perform logical drive sanitization (purge)
All data sectors on the HDDs are overwritten.
Sanitizing data logically protects confidential records while the drive is intact before physical transport or destruction.
3
Execute physical media destruction
The drives are degaussed or physically shredded.
Degaussing neutralizes magnetic domains and shredding physically breaks platters, ensuring recovery is impossible.
4
Archive compliance documentation
A formal Certificate of Destruction is archived.
Final documentation validates to auditors that data destruction met mandatory regulatory standards.

Key Concept

Lifecycle and Chain of Custody for Hard Drive Disposition
Question 288Question

A desktop technician is configuring a newly deployed Windows workstation for an administrative office. To minimize the local attack surface and adhere to workstation hardening best practices, which of the following actions should the technician take regarding default accounts?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Disable the built-in Guest account and rename the default Administrator account.

Answer

Disabling the built-in Guest account and renaming the default Administrator account is the correct hardening measure.
Disabling unneeded built-in accounts such as Guest and renaming default administrative accounts limits potential entry points and mitigates automated targeting of default username configurations.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify default account vulnerabilities on a new OS installation.
Default accounts like Administrator and Guest are common targets for unauthorized access.
Attackers frequently target default account names because they are well-known across standard operating system installations.
2
Apply standard account hardening best practices.
Disable unneeded default accounts (such as Guest) and rename privileged default accounts (such as Administrator).
This reduces the overall attack surface of the workstation without hindering normal administrative duties.

Key Concept

Workstation account hardening by managing default and built-in accounts.
Question 289Question

An IT security analyst is updating compliance documentation across corporate mobile endpoints and industrial IoT deployment sites. Match each security mechanism on the left with its corresponding technical objective or operational enforcement capability on the right.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Geofencing configuration
Mobile Application Management (MAM) containerization
Embedded IoT system hardening
Embedded Secure Element (eSE) hardware storage

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Geofencing configuration matches location-based trigger profile adjustments; MAM containerization matches enterprise app data isolation for selective wiping; Embedded IoT system hardening matches disabling unnecessary services and changing default credentials on micro-controllers; Embedded Secure Element hardware storage matches dedicated hardware coprocessor storage for cryptographic keys and biometrics.
Each concept correctly aligns with its core security objective: Geofencing automates policy changes using geographic location; MAM containerization segregates enterprise assets for targeted selective wiping; Embedded IoT system hardening mitigates vulnerability exposure on lightweight controllers by stripping default settings; and an Embedded Secure Element provides hardware-isolated cryptoprocessing.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze location-specific security enforcement features.
Identify that dynamic profile changes based on physical GPS coordinates define geofencing.
Geofencing uses positioning services to enforce security policies strictly within designated geographic boundaries.
2
Evaluate data protection strategies for BYOD environment app management.
Identify that isolating business data inside an encrypted sandbox for selective wipe matches MAM containerization.
Containerization separates work environments from personal data on mobile endpoints.
3
Examine device hardening steps unique to resource-constrained IoT/embedded hardware.
Identify that removing unneeded protocols, changing default passwords, and segmenting traffic via VLANs matches embedded IoT hardening.
Embedded systems often lack full OS security tools, requiring service reduction and credential management.
4
Review hardware-level root-of-trust components for mobile biometrics and encryption.
Identify that isolated tamper-proof chips for key and biometric storage match the embedded Secure Element (eSE).
Dedicated hardware coprocessors prevent key extraction even if the primary mobile OS is compromised.

Key Concept

Mobile Device and Embedded System Security
Question 290Question

A systems support specialist at a financial services firm is servicing a Windows 11 workstation that was infected with persistent banking spyware. The specialist isolated the device from the network, disabled System Restore, updated the endpoint protection signatures, and executed a full system scan that successfully quarantined and removed all malicious files. Which of the following actions should the technician perform NEXT to strictly adhere to the standard CompTIA malware remediation process?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Configure scheduled automated anti-malware scans and verify operating system updates are installed.

Answer

The technician should configure scheduled automated anti-malware scans and verify that operating system updates are fully installed.
The correct response specifies scheduling recurring anti-malware scans and applying operating system updates, which is Step 5 of the CompTIA 7-step malware remediation workflow (1. Identify symptoms, 2. Quarantine, 3. Disable System Restore, 4. Remediate/Scan, 5. Schedule scans and run updates, 6. Enable System Restore/Create restore point, 7. Educate user). Because Step 4 has just been completed, Step 5 is the required next action.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the current step in the CompTIA 7-step malware remediation process.
The scenario describes that identification (Step 1), network isolation/quarantine (Step 2), disabling System Restore (Step 3), and threat remediation via updated definitions and full removal scans (Step 4) have already been completed.
Accurately determining the completed steps prevents skipping critical procedural controls.
2
Determine the mandatory next sequential step.
Step 5 requires scheduling recurring anti-malware scans and applying operating system/application updates.
Scheduling scans and updating system software protects the system against newly discovered vulnerabilities before returning it to production.
3
Differentiate Step 5 from subsequent remediation steps.
Enabling System Restore and creating a restore point is Step 6, while end-user education is Step 7.
The 7-step methodology must be followed in strict chronological sequence.

Key Concept

CompTIA 7-Step Malware Remediation Process
Estimated Time:2m 0s
Question 291Question

A mobile user frequently installs personal applications on a corporate smartphone. The security policy requires preventing corporate email data from being shared with or accessed by these personal applications. Which mobile security technology directly isolates corporate data from personal applications?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Containerization

Answer

Containerization directly isolates corporate applications and data from personal applications on a mobile device.
Containerization isolates corporate applications and data into a dedicated workspace on the mobile device, preventing personal applications from viewing or sharing sensitive enterprise information.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary security requirement
The requirement is separating corporate data from unverified personal applications on the same mobile endpoint.
Preventing data leakage between personal and corporate software environments requires logical isolation.
2
Evaluate mobile security controls for app isolation
Containerization establishes a encrypted boundary around corporate applications.
This prevents unmanaged personal apps from interacting with or reading enterprise data.

Key Concept

Mobile App and Data Containerization
Question 292Question

A desktop support technician is configuring a Windows 11 workstation for an employee who uses screen-magnification software. When User Account Control (UAC) prompts appear, the desktop dims onto the Secure Desktop, causing the screen-magnification tool to temporarily stop rendering. Which of the following UAC configuration adjustments should the technician make to resolve the display issue while preserving elevation notifications?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Set the UAC level to 'Notify me only when apps try to make changes to my computer (do not dim my desktop)'

Answer

Set the UAC level to 'Notify me only when apps try to make changes to my computer (do not dim my desktop)'
Setting UAC to notify without dimming the desktop prevents Windows from switching to the isolated Secure Desktop environment. This allows screen magnification tools and other accessibility utilities to continue rendering while still informing the user of pending application modifications.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the cause of the screen reader/magnifier freezing during UAC prompts.
The issue is caused by UAC switching execution context to the Secure Desktop, which dims the background and temporarily disables third-party accessibility tools running in the standard user desktop context.
Secure Desktop isolates UAC dialog boxes to prevent malware spoofing, but this isolation breaks some legacy accessibility overlays.
2
Select the appropriate UAC setting to disable Secure Desktop dimming without disabling UAC completely.
Changing the slider to 'Notify me only when apps try to make changes to my computer (do not dim my desktop)' keeps prompt notifications active while displaying them directly on the interactive desktop.
This configuration allows accessibility tools to maintain visibility and focus while still requiring user confirmation for administrative modifications.

Key Concept

User Account Control Secure Desktop Settings
Question 293Question

A network administrator is configuring a wireless network for a university research lab. The institution's security policy requires individual user authentication against a centralized directory service and strong AES encryption for all wireless traffic. Which TWO of the following configurations must the administrator implement on the wireless access points to fulfill these security requirements?

Select all that apply

Show answer & explanation

Answer: WPA3-Enterprise security mode; 802.1X port-based authentication pointing to a RADIUS server

Answer

The administrator must select WPA3-Enterprise security mode and configure 802.1X port-based authentication pointing to a RADIUS server.
To meet the mandate for individual user authentication via a central directory along with strong AES encryption, the administrator must configure WPA3-Enterprise mode and implement 802.1X port-based authentication pointing to a RADIUS server. Enterprise wireless modes rely on 802.1X to relay authentication requests to a backend authentication server (such as RADIUS connected to Active Directory) and leverage modern AES encryption algorithms.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze authentication requirements
The requirement calls for centralized, individual user authentication rather than a shared passphrase, requiring Enterprise mode (802.1X) connected to a RADIUS server.
Personal modes (PSK/SAE) rely on a single shared key across all devices, failing the centralized individual credential requirement.
2
Analyze encryption requirements
Strong AES encryption must be selected (CCMP/GCMP).
TKIP is deprecated and vulnerable, whereas WPA3-Enterprise mandates robust AES-based encryption algorithms.

Key Concept

WPA3-Enterprise and 802.1X/RADIUS for centralized wireless security
Question 294Question

An IT technician is establishing a local user account security baseline for standalone Windows office workstations. Which TWO configuration steps are recommended best practices for hardening local user accounts on these systems?

Select all that apply

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Disable or rename built-in default accounts, such as the Administrator and Guest accounts.; Configure account lockout thresholds to lock user accounts after a specified number of failed logon attempts.

Answer

Disabling or renaming built-in default accounts and configuring account lockout thresholds are recommended best practices for hardening local user accounts.
Workstation account hardening requires adhering to the principle of least privilege and mitigating brute-force attacks. Disabling or renaming built-in default accounts (such as Guest and Administrator) removes well-known authentication targets. Setting account lockout thresholds prevents attackers from attempting unlimited password combinations.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Address default administrative and guest accounts.
Disabling or renaming built-in accounts eliminates well-known targets.
Attackers frequently target default names like Administrator or Guest during initial reconnaissance.
2
Enforce account authentication protections.
Configuring account lockout policies restricts repeated invalid password attempts.
Lockout policies prevent unauthorized password cracking through automated brute-force tools.

Key Concept

Local Account Hardening Best Practices
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 295Question

A logistics company is upgrading its data center and must decommission retired storage assets, including magnetic backup tapes and solid-state drives (SSDs). The security policy mandates a single physical destruction method that renders both media types completely unusable and unrecoverable. Which of the following disposal methods fulfills this requirement?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Shredding the assets using an industrial mechanical shredder

Answer

Shredding the assets using an industrial mechanical shredder
Shredding (or physical disintegration) physically breaks the storage substrate—both magnetic tape ribbons and SSD flash memory chips—into tiny fragments, preventing any data recovery across all media types.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the storage media types mentioned in the scenario.
The assets consist of both magnetic media (backup tapes) and flash-based solid-state media (SSDs).
Different storage technologies react differently to sanitization and destruction methods.
2
Evaluate the effectiveness of candidate physical destruction methods against both media types.
Degaussing neutralizes magnetic tape but does not destroy solid-state flash memory chips. Physical shredding physically cuts both magnetic tapes and SSD circuit boards into tiny fragments.
A single physical destruction process must be chosen that effectively destroys both magnetic and semiconductor storage mechanisms.
3
Select the disposal method that satisfies the physical destruction mandate.
Shredding guarantees complete physical destruction and unrecoverability for both SSDs and magnetic tapes.
Industrial shredding/disintegration is recognized by security standards as an effective physical destruction method for mixed media.

Key Concept

Data Destruction and Disposal Methods
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 296Question

A security administrator is establishing baseline security for custom embedded IoT environmental monitoring units deployed throughout a manufacturing facility. These embedded devices feature minimal operating system builds, lack dedicated user interface screens, and operate with strictly limited processing power and memory resources. The units transmit telemetry over the local wireless network to a central server. Which of the following security measures should the administrator implement FIRST to effectively secure these embedded devices against unauthorized access and network compromise?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Change all factory default administrative credentials, apply the latest vendor firmware updates, and isolate the devices onto a restricted network VLAN.

Answer

The administrator should change all default administrative credentials, flash the latest vendor firmware updates, and place the embedded devices on an isolated network segment (VLAN).
Embedded systems and IoT devices frequently ship with default accounts and unpatched vulnerabilities. Because their limited processing power and lightweight OS architecture prevent running standard endpoint security software, security best practices dictate changing default credentials immediately, updating firmware, and isolating the devices on a separate VLAN to contain potential breaches.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze device resource constraints
Recognize that resource-constrained embedded/IoT systems cannot run heavy software security agents such as full MDM suites.
Embedded operating systems have limited CPU, memory, and interface features.
2
Identify primary attack vectors for embedded systems
Focus on factory default passwords, unpatched firmware flaws, and unsegmented network access.
Attackers exploit known default passwords and outdated firmware on IoT devices to gain initial access to networks.
3
Select proper hardening controls
Implement default password changes, firmware updates, and VLAN network isolation.
These controls harden the devices at the hardware/firmware level and prevent lateral network movement if a device is compromised.

Key Concept

Embedded System and IoT Security Hardening
Question 297Question

A security analyst is auditing endpoint hardening configurations for shared customer service desktops. Corporate policy requires that inactive user sessions automatically lock after five minutes without terminating running applications, and that unauthenticated users cannot access local resources via legacy default accounts. Which of the following configurations best satisfies both requirements?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Enable a password-protected screen saver with a 5-minute wait time and ensure the local Guest account is disabled.

Answer

Enabling a password-protected screen saver set to a 5-minute timeout while disabling the built-in local Guest account.
The correct choice configures a password-protected screen saver set to trigger after 5 minutes of inactivity, which locks the active session while retaining unsaved work in open applications. Additionally, disabling the built-in local Guest account follows security best practices by eliminating an unneeded account that could otherwise be targeted for unauthorized access.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify session locking mechanism
Determined that a password-protected screen saver or interactive logon lock screen timeout locks the session after inactivity without closing applications.
Turning off the monitor or putting the system to sleep without enforcing screen lock leaves open sessions accessible upon wake or power-on.
2
Evaluate local account hardening requirements
Verified that built-in default accounts, specifically the local Guest account, must be disabled.
Leaving default accounts active creates potential attack vectors for unauthorized local or network authentication.
3
Select administrative tool and policy configuration
Selected Local Security Policy / Computer Management tools to verify account status and configured screen lock settings.
Event Viewer and Credential Manager are not suitable snap-ins for local account management or display timeout configuration.

Key Concept

Workstation Hardening and Account Security Controls
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 298Question

A helpdesk technician is responding to an incident involving a Windows workstation infected with a persistent crypto-mining Trojan. The malware infection has already been identified and verified by security logs. Place the following remediation actions in the correct sequence according to the official CompTIA 7-step malware removal process.

Drag items to arrange them in the correct order

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Answer

The correct chronological sequence following the CompTIA 7-step malware removal methodology is: 1) Disconnect the computer from networks (Quarantine), 2) Disable System Restore, 3) Update anti-malware signatures and scan in Safe Mode (Remediate), 4) Re-enable System Restore and create a clean restore point, and 5) Educate the end user.
The standard CompTIA 7-step malware removal process follows a specific lifecycle: 1. Identify malware symptoms, 2. Quarantine infected systems, 3. Disable System Restore, 4. Remediate infected systems (a. Update anti-malware software, b. Scan and use removal techniques), 5. Schedule updates and enable automated scans, 6. Enable System Restore and create a restore point, 7. Educate the end user. Arranging the actions from isolation (quarantine) through disabling System Restore, updating/scanning, re-enabling System Restore, and finishing with user training strictly satisfies this workflow.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Isolate the compromised system (Quarantine)
Network communication is severed, preventing malware proliferation.
CompTIA Step 2 dictates quarantining the infected system immediately after identification.
2
Disable System Restore
Corrupted restore points containing infected system files are deleted.
CompTIA Step 3 requires disabling System Restore prior to scanning so malware cannot survive via system rollbacks.
3
Remediate infected system
Anti-malware signatures are updated and the crypto-mining Trojan is identified and deleted in Safe Mode.
CompTIA Step 4 specifies updating anti-malware engine definitions and using scan/removal tools.
4
Re-enable System Restore and create a restore point
A clean recovery baseline is established after ensuring the system is clean and scheduled updates are set.
CompTIA Step 6 restores system protection functionality once remediation is successful.
5
Educate the end user
The end user learns preventative practices to lower the risk of reinfection.
CompTIA Step 7 concludes the remediation lifecycle with end-user security training.

Key Concept

CompTIA 7-Step Malware Removal Process
Question 299Question

A systems administrator needs to harden a standalone Windows 11 workstation by configuring User Account Control (UAC) to automatically deny all elevation prompts for standard domain users. Place the steps in the correct order to accomplish this configuration using the Local Security Policy snap-in.

Drag items to arrange them in the correct order

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Answer

The correct sequence begins with opening secpol.msc, navigating to Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options, selecting 'User Account Control: Behavior of the elevation prompt for standard users', setting the option to 'Automatically deny elevation requests', and executing gpupdate /force to apply the changes immediately.
Configuring UAC behavior policies on a Windows workstation requires launching secpol.msc to access Local Policies > Security Options. Modifying 'User Account Control: Behavior of the elevation prompt for standard users' to 'Automatically deny elevation requests' ensures standard users cannot elevate privileges. Executing gpupdate /force enforces the updated policy immediately.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Launch the management tool
Local Security Policy console opens
Administrative privilege and UAC security policies are configured in secpol.msc.
2
Navigate to the Security Options branch
Security Options policies are listed
Security Options contains fine-grained UAC behavior settings.
3
Open the standard user elevation policy
Policy properties configuration dialog appears
Targeting the specific setting controlling standard user privilege elevation.
4
Select 'Automatically deny elevation requests'
Standard user elevation prompts are suppressed and blocked
This satisfies the requirement to suppress credential prompts and prevent unauthorized elevation.
5
Run gpupdate /force in Command Prompt
Policy update completes successfully
Ensures immediate policy enforcement across the system.

Key Concept

Configuring User Account Control (UAC) security policies using Local Security Policy (secpol.msc)
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 300Question

A security analyst is designing the wireless infrastructure for a mobile inventory auditing system across several distribution centers. Corporate policy mandates that each employee authenticate using their individual Active Directory account rather than a shared password, ensuring central access control and user accountability. Which of the following wireless security implementations should the analyst deploy to fulfill this requirement?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: WPA3 Enterprise configured with an 802.1X RADIUS authentication server

Answer

WPA3 Enterprise configured with an 802.1X RADIUS authentication server
WPA3 Enterprise uses the 802.1X authentication framework to offload user authentication to a central RADIUS server connected to Active Directory. This guarantees individual account authentication, central management, and unique encryption keys per session.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary requirement from the scenario
Individual user authentication integrated with corporate directory (Active Directory) rather than a shared passphrase.
Personal modes (PSK/SAE) rely on a single shared key, failing the requirement for unique user identification.
2
Evaluate authentication architecture options
Enterprise modes use the 802.1X framework to communicate with a RADIUS server, enabling centralized authentication.
RADIUS bridges the wireless access point with Active Directory for domain user authentication.
3
Select the modern, secure standard
WPA3 Enterprise provides robust 802.1X authentication alongside modern encryption standards.
WPA2 Enterprise with TKIP uses compromised, legacy encryption, whereas WPA3 Enterprise delivers modern security controls.

Key Concept

Enterprise Wireless Authentication (802.1X / RADIUS)
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