220-1202: CompTIA A+ Core 2 (V15) Certification Exam

Question

A user reports that their computer is running extremely slowly. They are also often redirected to unknown websites when attempting to access internal applications. The computer's antivirus software is outdated, and the user cannot access certain security-related settings. A network administrator confirms that all other workstations are operating normally, and network diagnostics show no issues. Which of the following should the administrator do next to troubleshoot these issues?

Explanation

The combination of browser redirects, outdated/disabled antivirus, and inaccessible security settings on an otherwise network-healthy machine points to a malware infection that has tampered with security controls; standard incident-response procedure is to quarantine the device by disconnecting it from the network before further investigation and remediation to prevent spread and evidence loss. Clearing cookies or adjusting firewall/security settings without isolating the host risks the malware persisting or spreading.

220-1202: CompTIA A+ Core 2 (V15) Certification Exam

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