CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202)Software TroubleshootingMedium

During malware remediation, immediately after a technician investigates and verifies that a workstation is infected, which step should be performed NEXT according to CompTIA best practice?

  1. AQuarantine the infected system
  2. BEnable System Restore
  3. CEducate the end user
  4. DSchedule automatic scans and updates
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Quarantine the infected system

Once malware is verified, the next step in the best-practice procedure is to quarantine the infected system by disconnecting it from the network, preventing further spread before any remediation begins.

Why the other options are wrong

  • B. System Restore is re-enabled only after remediation is finished.
  • C. Educating the user is the final step, performed after remediation is complete.
  • D. Scheduling scans happens after the infection is actually removed.

Malware Removal — Quarantine Step

After verifying an infection, the infected system must be quarantined (isolated from the network) to stop the malware from spreading before remediation begins.

  • Follows verification, precedes disabling System Restore
  • Typically done by disconnecting network access
  • Prevents lateral spread to other systems

Memory trick: Quarantine the sick patient before starting treatment

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