CompTIA A+ Core 2 Exam | Answer: First Steps to Address Ransomware Attack

First Steps to Address Ransomware Attack

Question

A technician receives a phone call regarding ransomware that has been detected on a PC in a remote office.

Which of the following steps should the technician take FIRST?

Answers

Explanations

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A. B. C. D.

A.

The FIRST step that a technician should take upon receiving a phone call regarding ransomware detected on a PC in a remote office is to "Disconnect the PC from the network."

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts files on the infected computer, making them inaccessible to the user. It is important to disconnect the infected PC from the network to prevent the ransomware from spreading to other devices on the network. Ransomware typically spreads through network shares, so disconnecting the infected PC can help limit the damage.

After disconnecting the PC from the network, the technician can then proceed with other steps, such as performing an antivirus scan, running a backup and restore, and educating the end user.

Performing an antivirus scan is important to identify and remove the ransomware from the PC. However, running the scan while the PC is still connected to the network can result in the ransomware spreading to other devices, rendering the scan ineffective.

Running a backup and restore is also important to recover the encrypted files. However, before doing so, it is crucial to ensure that the ransomware has been completely removed from the PC and that it has been disconnected from the network.

Finally, educating the end user is important to prevent future infections. However, this step should not be the first priority as it does not address the immediate threat at hand.

In summary, the FIRST step a technician should take upon receiving a phone call regarding ransomware detected on a PC in a remote office is to disconnect the PC from the network to prevent the ransomware from spreading.