Sample Questions

CompTIA Security+ Sample Questions

6 practice questions with complete answer explanations.

Sample Questions

Question 1hardware-troubleshooting

A user's laptop will not turn on. The power LED lights up briefly then goes dark. Most likely cause?

A.Faulty battery or AC adapter✓ Correct

B.Corrupted OS boot sector

C.Defective display

D.Failed keyboard controller

Explanation

Brief power LED followed by shutdown suggests a power delivery issue — bad battery or adapter is most common.

Question 2networking

Which IP address class supports the most host addresses per network?

A.Class A✓ Correct

B.Class B

C.Class C

D.Class D

Explanation

Class A has 8 network bits and 24 host bits = up to 16.7 million hosts per network.

Question 3malware

A user reports that their browser is redirecting to unexpected websites and ads are appearing on the desktop. This is most likely:

A.Adware/browser hijacker✓ Correct

B.Ransomware

C.Rootkit

D.Keylogger

Explanation

Browser redirects and desktop ads are classic adware/browser hijacker symptoms.

Question 4command-line

In Windows, which command displays the current IP configuration?

A.ipconfig✓ Correct

B.ifconfig

C.netstat

D.ping

Explanation

ipconfig is the Windows command. ifconfig is the Linux equivalent.

Question 5mobile

A technician needs to transfer data between two smartphones without using a network. Which technology is most appropriate?

A.Bluetooth✓ Correct

B.NFC

C.Infrared

D.LTE Direct

Explanation

Bluetooth is used for short-range wireless data transfer between devices without a network.

Question 6virtualization

What is the primary function of a hypervisor?

A.Create and manage virtual machines on host hardware✓ Correct

B.Secure network traffic between VMs

C.Manage cloud storage allocation

D.Monitor CPU temperature in servers

Explanation

A hypervisor (Type 1 or Type 2) creates and manages VMs by abstracting the underlying hardware.

Test-Taking Tips

1.Use Professor Messer's free study guide and practice exams — they closely match real exam content.
2.Set up a home lab: practice installing OSes, configuring networks, and troubleshooting hardware.
3.Memorize port numbers: HTTP 80, HTTPS 443, SSH 22, DNS 53, SMTP 25, RDP 3389.
4.CompTIA's 6-step troubleshooting methodology is tested directly — know it cold.
5.PBQs are worth more points — do timed practice on simulation tools.
6.Review the official CompTIA A+ exam objectives document — every topic listed can be tested.

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