CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) — Question 182

A user receives a notification indicating the antivirus protection on a company laptop is out of date. A technician is able to ping the user’s laptop. The technician checks the antivirus parent servers and sees the latest signatures have been installed. The technician then checks the user's laptop and finds the antivirus engine and definitions are current. Which of the following has most likely occurred?

Answer options

• A. Ransomware
• B. Failed OS updates
• C. Adware
• D. Missing system files

Correct answer: D

Explanation

The most likely scenario is that missing system files are preventing the antivirus from functioning properly, despite having the latest signatures. Ransomware and adware are types of malware that wouldn't cause an outdated notification if the antivirus is current. Failed OS updates could also cause issues, but the scenario suggests that the antivirus definitions are up to date, indicating a different underlying problem.