CompTIA A+ Practice Test (220-1102)

Inaccurate hardware clock adjustments - This is correct. Time drift occurs when the system's hardware clock (often a real-time clock or RTC) becomes inaccurate due to factors such as crystal oscillator imperfections, temperature variations, or aging components. This results in the system time gradually drifting away from the accurate time.

Frequent updates to the operating system - Operating system updates typically do not affect the system clock and are not a cause of time drift.

Defective power supply units - A defective power supply can cause other hardware issues, but it is not a primary cause of time drift. The RTC is usually powered by a small battery independent of the main power supply.

Too many applications running simultaneously - Running multiple applications can impact system performance, but it does not cause time drift, which is related to hardware clock accuracy.

Reviewing and testing script in a dedicated test environment is correct because it prevents the unintentional introduction of malware, bugs, accidental deletions, etc. onto live or production systems. Scripts should be thoroughly tested in an environment isolated from production to ensure they do not contain malicious code or unintended errors that could compromise system security or reliability. The other options are good ideas, but any time changes are introduced the code or application would need to be re-tested again. The final step before deploying to a production or live environment should be the testing/quality assurance stage in a dedicated non-production environment.

A VPN allows the creation of a secure connection to another network over the Internet. It encapsulates and encrypts Internet traffic and data to provide privacy and data integrity, essential when connecting to a corporate network remotely. This ensures that sensitive information is not easily intercepted or compromised by unauthorized parties.

Only a domain will give you a centralized, controlled network and allow for file servers, print servers, and network shares. These are possible in a workgroup, but will not provide the network control that a business would require.

Changing the default password is crucial because default passwords are well-known and easily exploited by unauthorized users. IP filtering prevents unauthorized devices by allowing only specified IP addresses. Disabling SSID broadcast does not prevent connection if the network name is known. Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) settings are more relevant to device communication within the network than to preventing unauthorized access.

Sleep, Hibernation, and Stand By are the only true System Power States. Of the three, only hibernation provides no power to memory, and saves memory contents to the hard drive to be loaded back into memory when the computer wakes up.

Mobile Device Management (MDM) software is used to manage groups of mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. Because these devices run different operating systems than their PC counterparts, are often used by employees at home or on public wireless networks and can download applications from app stores, special management software is needed to ensure their security.

This statement is True.

Modern access control systems that utilize key fobs often include tracking and logging features. These systems can:

Record entry times: Track when a key fob is used to gain access to a specific location.

Log location details: Maintain records of which doors or access points were accessed using the key fob.

Enhance security and auditing: Provide a detailed log of user activity, which can be used for auditing purposes, detecting unauthorized access attempts, or responding to security incidents.

Utilizing Active Directory Group Policy allows the IT department to automate the installation of the software across multiple machines seamlessly. This method ensures that all installations are uniform and reduces the chances of user error. Manual installations and individual user installations are prone to errors and inconsistencies. Purchasing physical media unnecessarily complicates the process and can lead to inconsistencies.

Scanning the system with updated antivirus software is the correct initial step in this scenario. It allows for the detection and mitigation of any malware which might be responsible for renaming files or disrupting application functionality. Updating the antivirus ensures the latest threats can be recognized. Alternatively, contacting IT support or checking recent system updates might not directly address the possible presence of malware, which is suggested by the symptoms described. System Restore could revert important updates or changes and should only be used when other steps to address potential malware have been exhausted.

Using antivirus software is appropriate here as it can actively scan for known malware signatures and remove any detected threats.

In contrast, recovery mode often fixes system issues but may not specifically address malware. A software firewall can help prevent malware infections but does not remove them once they are present, and an OS reinstall is more drastic and time-consuming without first attempting removal via antivirus.

This statement is True.

Documenting a rollback plan is critical as it provides a predefined procedure to restore systems to their previous state in case of an unsuccessful change. This ensures business continuity and reduces potential downtime.

Shoulder surfing is a social engineering method where an attacker physically observes someone’s screen or keyboard to steal sensitive information, like passwords or PINs, without their knowledge. This technique relies on being close to the target, often in public spaces, to view confidential details.

Incorrect Answers: Keylogging involves tracking keystrokes through software or hardware to capture information, unlike shoulder surfing, which requires direct observation. Installing malware to remotely control another person’s device is a form of cyberattack that doesn’t need the attacker to be physically near the victim. Phishing uses deceptive emails or messages to trick users into providing sensitive information and does not involve observing the user in person.

An Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) defines the rules and guidelines for the proper use of an organization's resources, ensuring that employees comply with legal and regulatory standards. Other documents like network topology diagrams or incident reports do not specifically address user behavior and compliance.

A grandfather-father-son (GFS) backup rotation scheme uses three or more backup cycles such as daily, weekly and monthly.