What technique installs unauthorized smartphone software and enables new features?

A user would like to install software and features that are not available with a smartphone's default software. Which of the following would allow the user to install unauthorized software and enable new features?

SQLi
Cross-site scripting
Jailbreaking Source Reference Answer
Side loading

Community Votes

100%

100% of anonymous learners picked answer C. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.

Community Insight

The exam tests the distinction between jailbreaking/rooting and side loading: jailbreaking grants root-level access to enable new features, while side loading only installs apps outside official stores.

CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 mobile device security question: 'Jailbreaking' is the correct answer because it removes manufacturer restrictions, enabling unauthorized software and new features. Community consensus strongly favors C over side loading, citing features beyond app installation.

Choosing D 'Side loading' is the most common trap. Test takers focus on 'install unauthorized software' but miss 'enable new features,' which requires OS-level modification via jailbreaking.

Community Discussion (8 comments)

2fd1029 👍 6 Selected: C

I think the answer is C, even though I first thought D. The reason I changed my mind is because at the end they also mention enabling new features, which sideloading doesn't necessarily let you do. Jailbreaking does.

prabh1251 👍 1 Selected: C

While side loading could allow a user to install software from unofficial sources, the key part of the question is about installing software and enabling new features that aren’t part of the default software. Jailbreaking goes beyond just installing unauthorized apps — it gives the user deeper access to the device, allowing new features and system modifications that aren't possible with side loading alone.

deejay2 👍 4 Selected: C

It's either Jailbreaking(Apple) or Rooting (Android). Both deal with not having access to the device's operating system. Since Rooting is not an option, the answer is Jailbreaking.

NONS3c 👍 3 Selected: C

keyword said "enable new feature " for doing this action you should jailbreaking the mobile or root

MsZrogas 👍 2

You must jailbreak the phone first before you can sideload apps.

Sama001 👍 1 Selected: D

Side Loading: The process of installing applications on a device without the use of official software distribution channels.

jafyyy 👍 1

Jailbraking

Neno232 👍 2 Selected: C

Jailbreaking is the answer.

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Expert Analysis

Why the Answer Is Correct

Jailbreaking removes restrictions imposed by the smartphone manufacturer or operating system, granting the user root-level access. This access allows installation of unauthorized software and also enables new features, system modifications, and customization that default software would not permit. Community comments consistently highlight the phrase 'enable new features' as the deciding factor, since side loading alone does not provide that capability.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

SQLi (A) and Cross-site scripting (B) are web-based attacks that target servers and browsers, not smartphone OS permissions, so they do not enable software installation or new features on a device. Side loading (D) does allow installing apps from unofficial sources, but it does not inherently grant deeper OS-level access or enable system features. As one commenter noted, you must jailbreak the phone first before you can sideload apps, making C the only option that fully satisfies both parts of the question.

Community Comment Notes

The overwhelming majority of comments answer C. Comment 1 originally thought D but changed to C because of 'enabling new features,' while comment 3 directly called out that keyword. Comment 2 correctly mentioned that Android equivalent is 'rooting,' reinforcing the concept of OS-level access. One commenter (6) chose D by focusing only on unauthorized installation, illustrating the common trap. Overall, the community consensus is that 'jailbreaking' is the best answer because it encompasses both installing unauthorized software and enabling new features.

Official Reference

Exam Strategy

Look for two-part questions: if the action includes both installing unauthorized software and enabling new features, it implies OS-level privilege escalation. Eliminate web attack options first, then compare side loading vs jailbreaking by asking 'does it only install apps or also unlock features?'

Related Analysis

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