CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202)Software TroubleshootingMedium
A user reports that their smartphone's battery drains quickly and mobile data usage is unusually high, even though the phone was rarely used that day. The technician suspects a malicious app is running in the background. Which of the following should the technician do FIRST?
- AReplace the SIM card
- BEnable airplane mode permanently
- CReset network settings only
- DUninstall the suspicious app and review installed permissions
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Uninstall the suspicious app and review installed permissions
When a malicious app is suspected of causing high battery and data usage, the appropriate first step is to uninstall the app and review permissions granted to other apps, directly addressing the likely source of the problem.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. SIM card replacement addresses hardware/carrier issues, not malicious software.
- B. Permanent airplane mode disables all connectivity and is not a practical fix.
- C. Resetting network settings alone would not remove a malicious app already installed.
Mobile Malware Symptoms
Rapid battery drain and unexplained high data usage are common indicators of a malicious app running in the background on a mobile device.
- Malicious apps often exfiltrate data, causing high usage.
- Uninstalling the app is the primary remediation step.
- Reviewing app permissions helps prevent similar issues from other apps.
Memory trick: 'Drained Battery, Deleted App'