Security

442 questions

Question 401Question

A systems administrator is configuring security settings on a standalone Windows workstation placed in a public access area. The administrator must minimize the attack surface by ensuring unauthenticated users cannot gain access using built-in system privileges, while also preventing arbitrary scripts from executing automatically whenever a flash drive is inserted. Which of the following administrative actions best achieves these workstation hardening goals?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Disable the built-in Guest account and configure Local Group Policy to disable AutoRun and AutoPlay for all drives.

Answer

Disable the built-in Guest account and configure Local Group Policy to disable AutoRun and AutoPlay for all drives.
Disabling the built-in Guest account removes a primary default attack vector for unauthenticated users, while disabling AutoRun and AutoPlay via Local Group Policy prevents malicious binaries on inserted USB drives from executing automatically.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify key hardening requirements from the scenario.
Requirements are blocking unauthorized privilege-less login via built-in default accounts and preventing automated media execution.
Hardening standard images requires disabling unnecessary default accounts and restricting removable media auto-execution vectors.
2
Evaluate technical controls for default accounts.
Disabling the built-in Guest account mitigates unauthorized access attempts.
Built-in Guest accounts provide a known target for unauthorized users if left active.
3
Evaluate technical controls for removable media safety.
Disabling AutoRun and AutoPlay via Group Policy stops unauthorized automatic execution upon device insertion.
AutoRun and AutoPlay allow executable code on USB storage to launch without explicit user authorization.

Key Concept

Workstation Hardening Principles: Account Disabling and Auto-execution Policy Restrictions
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Question 402Question

An IT security technician is auditing embedded smart badge reader terminals installed at corporate building entry points. The audit reveals that the readers communicate directly on the main internal employee network and retain default administrative passwords. Which of the following actions should the technician implement FIRST to harden these embedded systems and reduce network risk?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Segment the embedded devices onto an isolated network VLAN and update default administrative credentials.

Answer

Segment the embedded devices onto an isolated network VLAN and update default administrative credentials.
Proper security hardening for embedded and IoT devices requires immediately changing default administrative credentials and placing the devices on an isolated network segment (VLAN). This prevents unauthorized login attempts and mitigates lateral movement into the primary corporate network.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze identified embedded system vulnerabilities
The embedded badge readers retain factory default passwords and reside directly on the internal LAN.
Embedded IoT devices typically lack standard anti-malware agents, making default credentials and flat network placement major security risks.
2
Apply targeted security controls for embedded systems
Updating default credentials eliminates easy administrative compromise, while placing the devices on an isolated VLAN restricts lateral network movement.
Network isolation ensures that an exploited embedded endpoint cannot be used as a pivot point to reach sensitive corporate infrastructure.

Key Concept

Embedded System Hardening and Network Isolation
Question 403Question

A cybersecurity technician is establishing baseline operational policies for workstation security across an enterprise network. Match each workstation hardening control on the left with the primary security risk it directly mitigates on the right.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Disabling unneeded operating system services
Configuring account lockout threshold rules
Enforcing password-protected screen saver timeouts
Disabling AutoRun and AutoPlay policies

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Matching pairs: Disabling unneeded OS services matches reducing attack surface by closing network listening ports; Account lockout thresholds match mitigating online brute-force password attacks; Password-protected screen saver timeouts match preventing unauthorized physical access to unattended terminals; Disabling AutoRun and AutoPlay policies matches blocking automatic script execution from plugged-in storage drives.
Each security control targets a specific vulnerability vector: disabling unnecessary services minimizes open ports and attack surface; account lockout policies defend against automated brute-force login attempts; enforcing screen saver password locks guards against local unauthorized access to unattended desktops; and turning off AutoRun/AutoPlay stops rogue USB drives from auto-launching malicious software.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze service disabling hardening principles
Disabling unnecessary services stops background listeners and unused system daemons.
Eliminating running processes directly shrinks the workstation's attack surface and closes listening ports.
2
Evaluate account security policies
Account lockout thresholds limit consecutive incorrect password attempts.
Locking out accounts after repeated failures thwarts automated password-guessing and brute-force tools.
3
Assess physical display access controls
Screen saver timeout locking requires credentials to resume session access.
Secures active sessions from walk-up physical access when users leave their desk.
4
Examine removable storage media policies
Disabling AutoRun/AutoPlay blocks automatic launcher script execution upon media connection.
Stops malicious payloads stored on USB flash drives from executing automatically without user interaction.

Key Concept

Workstation Hardening Controls and Risk Mitigation Mapping
Question 404Question

A systems administrator at a municipal transit operations center is following the standard CompTIA seven-step malware remediation workflow to resolve a malware infection on a Windows workstation. The administrator has already quarantined the machine, disabled System Restore, updated anti-malware signatures, scanned and removed the malicious files, and configured scheduled automatic scans and updates. Which step should the administrator perform NEXT?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Enable System Restore and create a new restore point.

Answer

Enable System Restore and create a new restore point.
The correct response is to enable System Restore and create a new restore point. In the CompTIA 7-step malware remediation process, Step 6 requires technicians to re-enable System Restore and create a fresh restore point after the system has been cleaned (Step 4) and automatic updates/scans have been scheduled (Step 5). This ensures the OS has a known-good recovery point free of malware infections.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Review the completed steps in the CompTIA 7-step malware remediation process.
Steps 1 through 5 (Identify, Quarantine, Disable System Restore, Remediate/Scan, Schedule Updates/Scans) are verified as complete.
Tracking current remediation progress ensures steps are executed in the mandated sequence.
2
Identify the next sequential step following Step 5 (Schedule updates and run scans).
Step 6 is to Enable System Restore and create a new restore point.
System Restore was disabled earlier to prevent reinfection from corrupted restore points; re-enabling it now creates a clean post-remediation baseline.
3
Confirm the remaining step.
Step 7 (Educate the end user) will be performed after Step 6.
Creating a clean restore point must happen before final user handoff and education.

Key Concept

CompTIA 7-Step Malware Remediation Best Practices
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 405Question

A desktop support technician at an automotive assembly plant is responding to a workstation infected with rogue adware causing unexpected browser redirects. The technician has already identified and researched the malware symptoms. Arrange the subsequent remediation actions in the correct chronological order according to the standard CompTIA 7-step malware removal process.

Drag items to arrange them in the correct order

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct sequence follows the CompTIA 7-step malware remediation process: first quarantine the infected workstation, then disable System Restore, proceed with updating definitions and scanning for malware removal, re-enable System Restore and create a clean restore point, and finish by educating the end user.
The standard CompTIA 7-step malware removal framework mandates the following exact order: 1. Identify malware symptoms, 2. Quarantine infected systems, 3. Disable System Restore, 4. Remediate infected systems (update anti-malware definitions and scan/remove), 5. Schedule updates and enable auto-scans, 6. Enable System Restore and create a restore point, and 7. Educate the end user. The sequence from isolating the system to educating the user adheres strictly to this standard.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Quarantine the infected workstation
Network communication is terminated, isolating the rogue adware from the rest of the assembly plant network.
Step 2 of the CompTIA process prevents malware from spreading or contacting command-and-control servers.
2
Disable Windows System Restore
Existing restore points containing malicious files are deleted.
Step 3 prevents accidental reinfection if a restore point is restored in the future.
3
Update anti-malware signatures and perform full system scan
The rogue adware is identified and completely removed from the host.
Step 4 performs the core remediation and file cleanup using updated detection definitions.
4
Re-enable System Restore and create a fresh restore point
A clean, verified system baseline snapshot is preserved.
Step 6 re-establishes system protection only after verifying the machine is clean.
5
Educate the end user
The user learns best practices to prevent similar infections.
Step 7 is the final administrative action to reduce human security vulnerabilities.

Key Concept

CompTIA 7-Step Malware Remediation Process
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 406Question

A systems administrator is configuring endpoint security profiles for enterprise mobile devices and specialized embedded hardware. Which mobile and embedded security control correctly matches each operational requirement?

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Containerization
Geofencing
Selective Wipe
Network Segmentation

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Containerization matches isolating corporate apps into an encrypted sandbox on personal endpoints. Geofencing matches restricting features based on GPS or location data. Selective wipe matches removing corporate files while preserving personal user data. Network segmentation matches placing legacy IoT sensors onto an isolated VLAN.
Containerization logically segregates enterprise software from personal data; Geofencing triggers location-based security policies via GPS or radio signals; Selective wipe targets company data for deletion without affecting user content; and Network segmentation isolates vulnerable embedded systems on segregated network zones.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the mechanism that segregates work content on personal devices.
Containerization creates a distinct secure workspace on BYOD endpoints.
Containerization ensures corporate data is segregated and encrypted separately from personal user content.
2
Identify the technology enforcing location-aware security restrictions.
Geofencing dynamically adjusts security options based on device coordinates.
Geofencing relies on location metrics (GPS/cellular) to apply site-specific rules.
3
Identify the command used to clean business records from departing employee endpoints.
Selective wipe removes managed enterprise assets while leaving personal assets unaffected.
MDM selective wipe actions target corporate containers without affecting user storage.
4
Identify the security approach suited for embedded or IoT hardware.
Network segmentation restricts embedded device network exposure.
Because IoT devices often lack endpoint antimalware agents, isolating them on separate VLANs prevents lateral threat movement.

Key Concept

Mobile Device and Embedded System Security Controls
Question 407Question

A desktop technician at a biopharmaceutical research laboratory is remediating a Windows 11 workstation infected with a trojan. The technician has already disconnected the computer from the network to quarantine the system and has disabled System Restore. Which of the following actions should the technician perform NEXT as part of the standard malware remediation process? (Select TWO.)

Select all that apply

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Update the anti-malware software definitions and signature files.; Perform a full system scan using anti-malware tools to remediate infected files.

Answer

The technician should update the anti-malware software definitions and perform a full system scan to remediate the infected files.
According to the CompTIA 7-step malware remediation process, once the system is quarantined and System Restore is disabled, Step 4 requires remediating the system. Remediation consists of updating anti-malware definitions followed by conducting a full anti-malware scan to remove the threat.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Review the current state within the CompTIA 7-step malware remediation process.
Step 1 (Identify malware symptoms), Step 2 (Quarantine system), and Step 3 (Disable System Restore) have already been completed.
Understanding the current stage establishes what specific actions logically follow.
2
Identify the immediate next stage, which is Step 4 (Remediate the infected system).
Step 4 consists of two sub-steps: 4a (Update anti-malware signatures) and 4b (Scan and use removal techniques).
Remediation requires current threat signatures before scanning and cleaning infected files.
3
Select the option pairs that correspond to Step 4 sub-steps.
Updating anti-malware definition files and executing a full anti-malware system scan represent the required actions.
These actions directly carry out the remediation phase before scans are scheduled or System Restore is re-enabled.

Key Concept

CompTIA 7-Step Malware Remediation Process (Remediation Phase)
Question 408Question

An IT technician is hardening a workstation located in a shared medical clinic treatment room. To mitigate the risk of unauthorized access when clinical staff temporarily step away from the active session, the technician must ensure the desktop automatically secures itself after three minutes of inactivity and requires user authentication to resume. Which of the following configuration settings directly accomplishes this security objective?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Screen saver timeout set to 3 minutes with the requirement to display the logon screen on resume enabled

Answer

Screen saver timeout set to 3 minutes with the requirement to display the logon screen on resume enabled
Enabling a screen saver timeout with password protection on resume automatically locks an unattended desktop after a specified duration of inactivity. This requires the user to re-enter credentials before granting access, effectively preventing unauthorized physical access to sensitive data when staff step away.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary threat presented in the scenario
The risk is an unattended, active user session remaining accessible to unauthorized individuals when staff step away.
Hardening workstation policies requires mitigating unauthorized physical access during staff absence.
2
Evaluate operating system controls for automated inactivity locking
Configuring a short screen saver timeout paired with requiring logon/password on resume forces the OS to lock the desktop session upon reaching the inactivity threshold.
This specific setting directly secures an active session without requiring manual logoff.
3
Distinguish from secondary workstation security settings
Account lockout policies restrict password guessing attacks, UAC restricts unauthorized privilege escalation, and disabling Guest accounts restricts default login access.
None of these secondary controls automatically lock an existing active idle session.

Key Concept

Workstation Hardening via Screen Saver Lockout Policies
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Question 409Question

An IT technician is provisioning corporate mobile tablets for field delivery drivers. The organization requires the tablets to lock down user interaction so drivers can only run a proprietary navigation app, while completely blocking access to device settings, web browsers, and third-party app installations. Which Mobile Device Management (MDM) configuration should the technician apply?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Enable Single-App Kiosk Mode combined with mandatory application whitelisting

Answer

Enable Single-App Kiosk Mode combined with mandatory application whitelisting
Single-App Kiosk mode pins the mobile operating system to a single predefined app, disabling access to the home screen, status bar, device settings, and other applications. Application whitelisting ensures that only explicitly approved applications are permitted to execute on the platform.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the operational requirement for dedicated device deployment.
The requirement mandates that the mobile device run exclusively one application while preventing OS navigation, settings modifications, or installing unapproved apps.
Dedicated single-purpose hardware requires full system lock-down controls.
2
Evaluate MDM policy types designed for restricted single-purpose use.
Single-App Kiosk mode locks the OS interface directly into the designated application, while app whitelisting prevents any unauthorized executables from running.
Kiosk mode combined with whitelisting directly addresses the requirement to restrict device access exclusively to the specified application.

Key Concept

Mobile Device Kiosk Mode and Application Whitelisting
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Question 410Question

A systems technician at a municipal water treatment facility has just finished isolating a Windows workstation infected with a spyware keylogger, disabling System Restore, updating the antivirus definitions in Safe Mode, and successfully removing the malicious software. Which of the following actions should the technician perform NEXT according to the standard CompTIA malware remediation process?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Schedule automatic anti-malware updates and routine system scans

Answer

The technician should schedule automatic anti-malware updates and routine system scans.
The CompTIA 7-step malware remediation process follows a specific order: 1. Identify malware symptoms, 2. Quarantine infected systems, 3. Disable System Restore, 4. Remediate infected systems (update anti-malware signatures, scan, and remove), 5. Schedule updates and initiate scans, 6. Enable System Restore and create a restore point, and 7. Educate the end user. Since remediation (Step 4) has just concluded, the correct next action is Step 5: scheduling updates and scans.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the current step in the CompTIA 7-step malware remediation process.
The technician has completed Step 1 (Identify), Step 2 (Quarantine), Step 3 (Disable System Restore), and Step 4 (Remediate: update anti-malware and scan/remove).
Tracking current progress ensures strict adherence to standard operating procedures.
2
Determine the next sequential step in the process.
Step 5 is 'Schedule updates and initiate scans'.
Scheduling updates and scans ensures the system remains protected against future infections before finalizing system configuration.
3
Select the option that matches Step 5.
Scheduling automatic anti-malware updates and routine system scans.
This directly fulfills Step 5 of the 7-step remediation workflow.

Key Concept

CompTIA 7-Step Malware Remediation Process
Question 411Question

A security administrator is updating Mobile Device Management (MDM) policy profiles for mobile devices connecting to corporate data under a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiative. The security strategy requires isolating corporate data from personal applications to prevent data leakage and prohibiting users from installing unverified applications from unofficial app stores. Which TWO of the following security controls should the administrator implement to meet these requirements? (Select TWO.)

Select all that apply

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Enforce app containerization with data loss prevention (DLP) copy-paste restrictions; Restrict app installation sources by disabling app sideloading on all enrolled devices

Answer

The correct controls are enforcing app containerization with data loss prevention restrictions and disabling application sideloading on all enrolled mobile devices.
The correct options implement containerization (which separates enterprise app data from personal apps via encryption and DLP rules) and disable application sideloading (which stops the installation of third-party apps from unverified sources).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the requirement for isolating corporate data from personal applications on BYOD devices.
Identify that containerization separates personal and enterprise storage spaces, preventing unauthorized data sharing.
Containerization creates a secure encrypted partition managed by MDM.
2
Analyze the requirement to block installations from unverified app stores.
Identify that disabling application sideloading enforces software installation strictly from trusted software repositories.
Sideloading bypasses platform security vetting and increases malware risks.

Key Concept

Mobile Device Management (MDM) BYOD controls including containerization and restricting application sources (sideloading restrictions).
Question 412Question

An IT technician is preparing a newly imaged Windows workstation for deployment in a corporate environment. To ensure defense-in-depth and follow workstation hardening best practices, place the following security configuration steps in the correct operational sequence, from first to last.

Drag items to arrange them in the correct order

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct sequence for workstation hardening is: First, install OS security patches. Second, secure built-in accounts and default administrative credentials. Third, disable unnecessary services, ports, and AutoRun features. Fourth, enforce local policy controls such as screen saver password locks and account lockout rules. Fifth, activate host-based firewall protection and enable full disk encryption.
Hardening follows a logical sequence: patching vulnerabilities first, securing baseline user/admin accounts second, minimizing attack surfaces (ports/services/autorun) third, enforcing screen saver lockouts and policy rules fourth, and finalizing with host firewall and full disk encryption protections.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Patch OS Vulnerabilities
Known software flaws are remediated prior to network exposure.
System updates prevent initial compromise of baseline software components.
2
Secure Account Baselines
Default administrative entry points are removed.
Disabling the Guest account and altering default admin details removes predictable attack targets.
3
Minimize Attack Surface
Unused communication ports and autorun vulnerabilities are closed.
Disabling unneeded services and automatic execution scripts prevents automated malware execution.
4
Enforce Local Security Policies
Inactivity locks and password lockout protections are active.
Enforcing screen saver timeouts and account lockouts mitigates physical access and brute-force threats.
5
Activate Host Boundary Protections & Encryption
Data at rest and host network traffic are shielded.
Enabling host firewalls and BitLocker completes defense-in-depth protection before full deployment.

Key Concept

Workstation Hardening Standard Operating Sequence
Question 413Question

A systems technician is configuring security hardening settings on newly deployed Windows workstations used in a retail environment as point-of-sale terminals. To reduce the system's attack surface and prevent unauthorized automated execution of malicious files from USB flash drives, which of the following administrative actions should the technician perform?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Disable the built-in Guest account and configure the Group Policy setting to turn off AutoPlay for all drives.

Answer

Disable the built-in Guest account and configure the Group Policy setting to turn off AutoPlay for all drives.
Disabling default built-in accounts (such as the Guest account) eliminates unnecessary access pathways into the operating system. Disabling AutoPlay/AutoRun via Group Policy prevents Windows from automatically executing software stored on inserted USB drives, protecting the workstation from autorun-based malware.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the key security goals from the scenario: reducing attack surface by removing unused access points and preventing automatic execution of media on USB drives.
Recognized that disabling default local accounts and disabling AutoPlay are standard OS hardening controls.
Default accounts like Guest provide unauthenticated local access, and AutoPlay poses a risk of malware auto-execution from removable storage.
2
Evaluate the available administrative policies and security configurations.
Disabling the Guest account stops unauthorized access, and setting the Group Policy to turn off AutoPlay for all drives blocks automatic execution of scripts or binaries when USB devices are attached.
These controls directly mitigate the threats mentioned in the requirement.

Key Concept

Workstation Hardening Best Practices - Account Management and AutoPlay Policies
Question 414Question

An IT support technician is deploying networked smart HVAC controllers throughout a company's corporate office. The embedded operating systems on these controllers cannot support third-party endpoint security software, centralized domain joining, or local user credential management. Which of the following security practices should the technician implement to BEST secure these embedded systems against unauthorized network access?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Place the embedded controllers on a dedicated, isolated VLAN with restrictive firewall rules

Answer

Place the embedded controllers on a dedicated, isolated VLAN with restrictive firewall rules
Embedded systems and IoT devices often lack hardware resources or software support for standard endpoint protection and administrative agents. Placed on an isolated Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) with strict firewall rules, these devices can perform necessary network functions without exposing the rest of the enterprise network to pivoting attacks if compromised.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the device constraints described in the scenario
Identified that the HVAC controllers run lightweight embedded operating systems that lack support for security agents, domain joining, or traditional endpoint management.
Embedded systems frequently have resource constraints and fixed firmware that prevent installing standard security controls directly on the device.
2
Evaluate network-level mitigation techniques for unmanageable embedded systems
Determined that network segmentation (isolated VLANs and strict Access Control Lists) provides defense-in-depth.
Isolating embedded devices contains potential security breaches and prevents lateral movement into critical corporate network segments.

Key Concept

Embedded System Hardening and Network Segmentation
Question 415Question

A desktop technician is configuring local security settings on newly provisioned standalone Windows workstations for a financial call center. The security baseline requires mitigating credential-based attacks targeting default accounts and restricting unauthorized incoming network traffic without disabling essential management access. Which TWO configuration settings should the technician implement to meet these hardening requirements?

Select all that apply

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Disable the built-in Guest account and rename the local Administrator account.; Enable Windows Defender Firewall and configure the active profile to block all inbound connections by default.

Answer

The technician should disable the built-in Guest account and rename the local Administrator account, as well as enable Windows Defender Firewall and configure the active profile to block all inbound connections by default.
Disabling default built-in accounts such as Guest and renaming the default Administrator account eliminates well-known targets for brute-force attacks. Simultaneously, enforcing an inbound block rule on the host firewall minimizes network attack vectors.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify baseline account hardening requirements.
Disabling the Guest account and renaming the Administrator account mitigates brute-force attacks aimed at predictable default account names.
Default accounts with well-known SIDs are primary targets for automated reconnaissance and privilege escalation attempts.
2
Identify network-level workstation hardening controls.
Enabling the host firewall to block unsolicited inbound connections hardens the network stack.
Blocking inbound connections by default reduces vulnerable open ports and prevents unauthorized lateral movement or probing.
3
Evaluate and eliminate incorrect management options.
Discard setting UAC to 'Never Notify' and using Event Viewer for policy edits.
Lowering UAC weakens security, and Event Viewer is a log viewer rather than a security configuration tool.

Key Concept

Workstation Hardening via Account Restructuring and Host Firewall Configuration
Question 416Question

An IT security analyst is establishing security baseline controls for enterprise mobile devices and embedded systems. Match each mobile or embedded security technology to its primary operational capability.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Geofencing
Containerization
Remote Wipe
Secure Boot

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Geofencing matches with location-based policy enforcement; Containerization matches with isolating corporate apps on BYOD devices; Remote Wipe matches with issuing an over-the-air command to sanitize data; Secure Boot matches with cryptographically authenticating firmware signatures prior to OS initialization.
Each listed term directly aligns with its fundamental security function: Geofencing manages location-based parameters, Containerization isolates corporate data on BYOD devices, Remote Wipe provides loss mitigation via over-the-air erasure, and Secure Boot guarantees low-level firmware integrity.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the technology used to enforce location-aware security policies on mobile endpoints.
Pair Geofencing with restricting device features based on physical location.
Geofencing relies on geographic coordinates to trigger or block specific features.
2
Identify the storage and application isolation mechanism used for BYOD environments.
Pair Containerization with isolating corporate applications and data in an encrypted workspace.
Containerization ensures corporate assets remain segregated from personal data.
3
Determine the administrative capability used when a mobile device is reported lost or stolen.
Pair Remote Wipe with issuing an over-the-air command to sanitize endpoint storage.
Remote wipe clears sensitive data over the network to prevent data exposure.
4
Identify the embedded hardware verification feature that prevents malicious firmware execution.
Pair Secure Boot with cryptographically authenticating firmware and bootloader signatures.
Secure Boot establishes a hardware root of trust to verify software integrity before booting.

Key Concept

Mobile Device and Embedded System Security Controls
Question 417Question

A tier-2 helpdesk technician at an electric vehicle charging network operations center is responding to an infected Windows 11 workstation that has already been disconnected and quarantined from the local network. The technician needs to prepare the system for malware removal. According to the standard CompTIA malware remediation process, which TWO of the following actions should the technician perform NEXT before initiating a full system anti-malware scan? (Select TWO.)

Select all that apply

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Disable System Restore in the Windows System Properties settings.; Update anti-malware signature definitions to the latest engine release.

Answer

The technician should disable System Restore and update anti-malware definitions.
Following the CompTIA 7-step malware remediation process, once a system is quarantined (Step 2), the technician must disable System Restore (Step 3) to prevent the OS from creating infected restore points. The next phase is remediation (Step 4), which begins by updating anti-malware signatures (Step 4a) prior to initiating a scan (Step 4b).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze current progress in the CompTIA 7-step malware remediation process.
Step 1 (Identify malware) and Step 2 (Quarantine infected system) are complete.
The scenario states the workstation has already been identified as infected and quarantined from the network.
2
Identify the immediate next steps (Step 3 and Step 4a).
Step 3 is disabling System Restore. Step 4a is updating anti-malware signatures.
Disabling System Restore prevents infected files from being saved into restore points, and updating anti-malware signatures guarantees that the scanner has the newest threat signatures available.

Key Concept

CompTIA 7-Step Malware Remediation Process
Question 418Question

An IT security technician is establishing baseline OS hardening parameters for new workstations deployed in an enterprise accounting department. To reduce the system's attack surface and prevent unauthorized remote modification of system configuration settings without impacting standard domain functionality, which of the following actions should the technician perform?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Disable the Remote Registry service and set its startup type to Disabled.

Answer

Disable the Remote Registry service and set its startup type to Disabled.
Disabling the Remote Registry service is an essential workstation hardening practice. It ensures remote network users cannot modify system configuration keys in the Windows Registry, effectively shrinking the vulnerable surface area of the host OS.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the security objective in the scenario
The requirement is to prevent unauthorized remote configuration modifications while reducing unnecessary listening services on the host.
System hardening principles emphasize disabling unneeded background services to minimize attack vectors.
2
Identify unnecessary background services that expose system configuration
The Remote Registry service allows remote network users to edit registry keys.
If left enabled, malicious actors could modify registry entries remotely over the network.
3
Apply the appropriate baseline security hardening action
Stopping the service and configuring its startup type to Disabled prevents unauthorized remote registry changes.
Disabling unneeded network-facing services is a standard OS baseline hardening task.

Key Concept

Disabling Unnecessary Services during Workstation Hardening
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 419Question

A cybersecurity technician at a commercial maritime container terminal is troubleshooting a Windows 11 workstation used for crane operations. The workstation is displaying rogue pop-up advertisements and experiencing unauthorized browser redirects. The technician has already isolated the workstation from the local network to quarantine it and has disabled System Restore. Which of the following actions should the technician perform NEXT according to the standard CompTIA malware remediation process?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Update the anti-malware software engine and signature definitions.

Answer

Update the anti-malware software engine and signature definitions.
According to the official CompTIA 7-step malware remediation workflow, once the malware symptoms have been identified, the system quarantined, and System Restore disabled, the technician must enter Step 4 (Remediate infected systems). Step 4 is subdivided into updating anti-malware software definitions first (Step 4a) and then running malware scans and removal tools second (Step 4b). Updating the definitions ensures the scanner has the most current detection signatures.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Review the current phase within the CompTIA 7-step malware remediation process.
Identified that Step 1 (Identify symptoms), Step 2 (Quarantine system), and Step 3 (Disable System Restore) have already been completed.
Determines which step comes next in the strict sequential workflow.
2
Identify the immediate next requirement in Step 4 (Remediate infected systems).
Step 4a is to update anti-malware software and signature definitions (via removable media or isolated environment update package if network access is restricted).
Anti-malware software requires the latest threat signatures to effectively detect and quarantine modern malware strains during the scan phase.
3
Select the option that matches updating signature definitions prior to scanning.
Selected 'Update the anti-malware software engine and signature definitions.'
This strictly adheres to standard remediation procedures before performing scans or re-enabling system services.

Key Concept

CompTIA 7-Step Malware Remediation Process (Step 4a: Update anti-malware signatures)
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 420Question

An IT technician is establishing standard security hardening configurations across enterprise desktops. Match each workstation security control on the left with the primary risk mitigation it provides on the right.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Disabling unnecessary background services and open network ports
Configuring an aggressive screen lock timeout policy
Disabling the built-in Guest user account
Disabling Autorun and Autoplay features

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Disabling unnecessary services and ports matches reducing the system attack surface. Configuring a screen lock timeout matches mitigating unauthorized access to unattended desktop sessions. Disabling the Guest account matches preventing unauthenticated logons using default local credentials. Disabling Autorun/Autoplay matches preventing automatic execution of malicious payloads upon inserting external storage media.
Each hardening control directly addresses a specific vulnerability vector: disabling unnecessary services minimizes overall network entry points; screen lock timeouts protect against physical access to unattended active sessions; turning off the Guest account eliminates default unauthenticated logon access; and disabling Autorun prevents drive-by execution of malware from attached removable media.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze service and port management controls
Turning off unneeded system services closes corresponding network ports and listening sockets.
Closing unused open entry points directly decreases the exposed attack surface of the OS.
2
Analyze desktop inactivity policies
Setting screen lock timeouts requires password re-entry after specified minutes of idle time.
Protects active user contexts when a physical workspace is left unattended.
3
Analyze account security controls
Disabling built-in default accounts neutralizes known account targets that do not require complex setup.
Prevents unauthenticated users from leveraging default Guest privileges for network or local access.
4
Analyze media execution policies
Turning off Autorun and Autoplay prevents OS auto-execution triggers.
Blocks flash drives or optical media from running startup scripts automatically upon insertion.

Key Concept

Workstation Hardening and Best Practices
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Security Practice Questions — CompTIA A+ (Core 1 & Core 2) — Page 21 | Examkin