CompTIA FC0-U71 - CompTIA Tech+ Certification Exam

Encryption protects files by converting them into unreadable formats unless the correct decryption key is provided. The CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U71 Official Study Guide explains:

"Encryption is the process of converting data into a secure format that cannot be read without a decryption key. Only users with the proper key can access the original data."

File permissions control user access based on OS-level rules, but encryption specifically ensures that only those with the key can read the file even if they access the file storage.

Hidden folders merely conceal files but don’t protect content. Compression reduces file size but doesn’t protect access.

Application data refers to user-generated or application-specific files that are critical to retain. This includes saved work, preferences, and databases. These must be included in backups to ensure continuity and recovery.

“Application data and user-generated content should be prioritized in backups to ensure critical information is retained during restoration.” — CompTIA ITF+ Data Protection

Correct answer: B

The CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide discusses social engineering prevention:

“Social engineering relies on manipulating people rather than technology. The best protection against social engineering is user awareness and verifying identity before sharing information.”

Verifying a user’s identity via a phone call before taking any action (such as password reset or data access) is an essential safeguard against impersonation attempts.

Verified Reference:

Chapter 11: Security Best Practices — “Recognizing Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks” (pp. 586–588).

As per the CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide (Exam FC0-U71, 3rd Edition, 2025):

“Some companies’ IT policies require that you change or reset your password at regular intervals, such as every 90 days. The rationale for having a password expiration policy is that the longer you keep a password, the more likely it is that someone has seen it or written it down.”

The guide further notes:

“Many companies have password policies in place that enforce strict requirements… The policy can also make users reset their password every so often, such as 90 days.”

This describes password expiration, which ensures that passwords are periodically updated to reduce security risks.

Verified Reference:

Chapter 11: Security Best Practices — “Password Changes” (pp. 596–598).

Generative AI is used to create new content including images, music, videos, or text. This includes tasks like image editing, enhancement, or generation using tools such as DALL·E, MidJourney, or generative adversarial networks (GANs).

“Generative AI creates new data or content, such as images, music, or text. It is commonly used in image editing, graphic design, and media production.” — CompTIA ITF+ Guide

Other AI types:

Assistive AI helps with tasks like navigation or text suggestions.

Predictive AI forecasts outcomes using existing data.

Chatbots simulate conversation, often in customer service.

A hypervisor is the software or hardware platform that enables virtualization. It allows multiple operating systems (guest OSes) to run on a single physical machine.

“A hypervisor manages virtual machines on a single physical system. It enables the creation and management of guest OS environments.” — CompTIA ITF+

Correct answer: D

Accounting refers to the logging and monitoring of user actions. In this case, tracking login events through log files is an example of accounting in the AAA (Authentication, Authorization, Accounting) model.

“Accounting provides auditing and logging of user actions, such as login times and resource access.” — CompTIA ITF+ Security Essentials

Correct answer: A

According to the CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide (Exam FC0-U71, 3rd Edition, 2025):

“A crimper is used to attach modular connectors, such as RJ45 or RJ11, to network or phone cables. The crimper pushes the metal contacts into the wires, securing them in place.”

Punchdown tools, by contrast, are used for patch panels or keystone jacks, not RJ45 ends.

Verified Reference:

Chapter 2: Peripherals and Connectors — “Networking Tools: Crimpers, Punchdown Tools, Cable Testers” (pp. 106–108).

After identifying the issue, implementing a solution, and verifying functionality (test page), the next step in the troubleshooting process is to document the solution for future reference.

“The final step in the troubleshooting methodology is to document findings, actions, and outcomes to ensure organizational learning and continuity.” — CompTIA ITF+ Study Guide

Correct answer: D

The correct order of storage units from smallest to largest is:

Kilobyte (KB)

Megabyte (MB)

Terabyte (TB)

Petabyte (PB)

“A kilobyte is approximately 1,000 bytes. It is smaller than a megabyte (1 million bytes), terabyte (1 trillion bytes), or petabyte (1 quadrillion bytes).” — CompTIA ITF+ Reference

Hence, C. Kilobyte is the smallest unit listed.