- A
It provides unauthorized remote access to the system.
Remote control is a backdoor characteristic.
- B
It downloads and installs additional malicious software.
Trojan can act as a dropper for additional malware.
- C
It requires user interaction to execute.
Trojan requires user to run it.
- D
It self-replicates without user interaction.
Why wrong: That describes worms, not trojans.
- E
It encrypts files and demands ransom.
Why wrong: That is ransomware, not a general trojan.
Question 527 of 1,000
200-201 Security Concepts Practice Question
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of security concepts. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
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.)
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).
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
It downloads and installs additional malicious software.
Why this is correct
Trojan can act as a dropper for additional malware.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
It requires user interaction to execute.
Why this is correct
Trojan requires user to run it.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
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.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Trojans often use techniques like DLL hijacking or process hollowing to evade detection, and they may establish persistence via registry run keys or scheduled tasks. In real-world scenarios, a trojan like Emotet initially acts as a downloader for other malware (e.g., ransomware or banking trojans) while also providing a backdoor for remote command execution, typically communicating over HTTP or HTTPS to a command-and-control (C2) server.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 200-201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-201 question test?
Security Concepts — This question tests Security Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: 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).
What should I do if I get this 200-201 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This 200-201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 200-201 exam.
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