Free 220-1202 Questions Attempt

The correct answer is A. Perform a factory reset , because the symptoms strongly indicate a serious mobile malware infection , potentially including spyware or a trojan installed from an unofficial app store. Random pop-ups, excessive data usage, blocked access to banking apps, and inability to update the OS are classic indicators that malicious software has gained deep system-level access .

According to the Quentin Docter – CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide , mobile malware installed from unofficial sources can embed itself deeply into the operating system, sometimes gaining device administrator privileges. In such cases, standard remediation steps such as clearing cache or uninstalling apps may be ineffective.

The Travis Everett & Andrew Hutz – All-in-One Exam Guide explains that when a mobile device shows signs of persistent compromise—especially when core OS functions and security-sensitive applications are affected—the recommended first step is to perform a factory reset . This completely wipes user-installed applications and restores the device to a known-good state.

The Mike Meyers / Mark Soper Lab Manual reinforces that changing passwords is important after the device is secured, not before. Contacting support or clearing cache does not remove deeply embedded malware.

Therefore, to immediately address the security threat and regain control of the device, a factory reset is the most appropriate first action , making A the correct answer.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

One of the most common causes for performance degradation on smartphones isstorage or memory overloaddue to excessive apps.Uninstalling unused appsis a basic but effective first diagnostic step.

FromTravis Everett – All-in-One Exam Guide:

“Start troubleshooting sluggish smartphones by clearing unused apps and files before performing advanced diagnostics or resets.”

The correct answer is A. Remove account administrative rights , because unauthorized software installation is most commonly possible when users have local administrator privileges . In Windows environments, installing most applications requires elevated permissions. If users are members of the local Administrators group, they can bypass many built-in security controls and install software without IT approval.

According to the Quentin Docter – CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide , the principle of least privilege is fundamental to endpoint security. Users should only be granted the minimum permissions necessary to perform their job functions. Removing administrative rights prevents users from installing unapproved applications and significantly reduces malware risk.

The Travis Everett & Andrew Hutz – All-in-One Exam Guide explains that while technologies like firewalls, SmartScreen, and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) provide important layers of protection, they do not directly stop users from installing software if they already have administrative access. EDR detects and responds to threats, but it does not prevent intentional installation by privileged users.

The Mike Meyers / Mark Soper Lab Manual reinforces that controlling user permissions is the most effective preventive control against unauthorized changes to a system. Removing admin rights stops the root cause rather than reacting after installation occurs.

Therefore, to prevent future unauthorized software installations, removing account administrative rights is the most direct and effective solution, making A the correct answer.

A “utility failure” means the building’s AC power source has dropped out (blackout) or sagged severely, causing the workstation to lose power instantly and shut down. The best way to prevent an immediate shutdown during these events is an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), which contains a battery and can continue supplying AC power long enough to keep the PC running briefly and allow a graceful shutdown. Mike Meyers’ Lab Manual states that a UPS “continues to supply AC power…during both brownouts and blackouts via a battery,” preventing the computer from instantly losing power when the utility fails. Quentin Docter likewise explains that UPS devices protect against “power sags and even power outages,” using stored battery energy so the administrator (or OS integration) can safely shut down rather than crash off.

A surge suppressor protects from spikes, not outages. A redundant PSU only helps if the PSU fails, and Docter notes it cannot keep a system running during a power outage. A line voltage regulator helps stabilize voltage but doesn’t provide power when utility power is absent.