A user, Ann, reports that she suspects her workstation has malware. Joe, the technician, confirms malware exists and starts the process of removing the malware. Which of the following is the FIRST…

The correct answer is B. Disable system restore. When removing malware, the first step after identification is to disable System Restore. This is critical because System Restore can preserve copies of malware within restore points. If System Restore is left enabled, even after successful removal, a user or the system could…

Hardware and network troubleshooting

Question

A user, Ann, reports that she suspects her workstation has malware. Joe, the technician, confirms malware exists and starts the process of removing the malware. Which of the following is the FIRST step he should take in removing the malware?

Options

ADisable antivirus
BDisable system restore
CEnable hard drive encryption
DFormat the hard drive

How the community answered

(24 responses)

B
88% (21)
C
4% (1)
D
8% (2)

Explanation

When removing malware, the first step after identification is to disable System Restore. This is critical because System Restore can preserve copies of malware within restore points. If System Restore is left enabled, even after successful removal, a user or the system could inadvertently restore a point containing the malware, re-infecting the machine. The CompTIA A+ malware removal process specifies: (1) identify and research, (2) quarantine the infected system, (3) disable System Restore, (4) remediate/remove, (5) schedule scans, (6) enable System Restore and create a new restore point, (7) educate the end user. Disabling antivirus (A), encrypting the drive (C), or formatting (D) are either counterproductive or last-resort steps.

Topics

#malware removal#system restore#malware remediation#security steps

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