200-201 Security Concepts Practice Question
An analyst is investigating a malware infection on a workstation. The malware appears to be a trojan that downloads additional payloads and allows remote control. The analyst needs to classify the malware based on its behavior. Which THREE characteristics match this description? (Choose three.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between trojans and worms by emphasizing that trojans require user interaction to execute, whereas worms self-replicate and spread automatically without user action.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
It provides unauthorized remote access to the system.
A is correct because a trojan is a type of malware that disguises itself as legitimate software to trick users into installing it, and once executed, it often provides unauthorized remote access to the system, commonly through a backdoor. This matches the description of allowing remote control, which is a core characteristic of Remote Access Trojans (RATs).
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
It provides unauthorized remote access to the system.
Why this is correct
Remote control is a backdoor characteristic.
- ✓
It downloads and installs additional malicious software.
Why this is correct
Trojan can act as a dropper for additional malware.
- ✓
It requires user interaction to execute.
Why this is correct
Trojan requires user to run it.
- ✗
It self-replicates without user interaction.
Why it's wrong here
That describes worms, not trojans.
- ✗
It encrypts files and demands ransom.
Why it's wrong here
That is ransomware, not a general trojan.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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