CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202)Software TroubleshootingHard
A user roots their Android phone using a custom recovery tool to install a third-party ROM. Afterward, their banking app displays an error stating the device is not supported and refuses to open, while all other apps work normally. What is the MOST accurate explanation for this behavior?
- AThe banking app's server is experiencing an outage unrelated to the phone
- BThe app needs to be reinstalled because the update failed to complete
- CThe app detected root access and blocked itself as a security precaution against tampering
- DThe phone's mobile data connection was disabled during the rooting process
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. The app detected root access and blocked itself as a security precaution against tampering
Many banking and financial apps include root/jailbreak detection and will refuse to launch on a rooted or jailbroken device because root access can bypass the OS security sandbox, exposing sensitive data to tampering or malware. This is a deliberate security control, not a bug or connectivity issue.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. An outage would typically affect all users, not just this specific rooted device.
- B. The issue is tied to root status, not a failed update, since only this app is affected.
- D. Rooting does not disable mobile data, and other apps still function normally.
Root/Jailbreak Detection
A security mechanism used by sensitive apps (like banking apps) to detect if a device has root (Android) or jailbreak (iOS) access and refuse to run, since root access can bypass OS sandboxing protections.
- Common in banking and enterprise apps
- Root/jailbreak weakens the OS security sandbox
- Solution: unroot the device or use official firmware
Memory trick: 'Rooted phones lock out the bank' — trust broken, access denied.