200-201 Security Concepts Practice Question
An attacker uses a tool to capture keystrokes on a compromised system. What type of malware is most likely in use?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between a general category (spyware) and a specific type (keylogger), so the trap here is that candidates may choose spyware because it is a broader term, but the question asks for the most likely malware based on the specific behavior described.
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
✓
Keylogger
A keylogger is a type of malware specifically designed to capture and record keystrokes on a compromised system. The question directly describes the behavior of capturing keystrokes, which is the primary function of a keylogger, making it the most likely malware in use.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Spyware
Why it's wrong here
Spyware can include keyloggers, but keylogger is the specific type.
- ✗
Rootkit
Why it's wrong here
A rootkit hides malicious processes and persists at kernel or firmware level, but it does not itself capture keystrokes — that requires a keylogger component. Rootkits are the right answer when the scenario describes concealed persistence or evading detection, not input interception. Here the keystroke capture is the defining behaviour, so rootkit misattributes the capability.
- ✗
Ransomware
Why it's wrong here
Ransomware encrypts files and demands payment; it does not record keystrokes, so it cannot satisfy the scenario's requirement for captured input. It is tempting because ransomware is high-profile malware that also runs covertly on compromised systems. Ransomware would be correct where the evidence showed encrypted files and a ransom note instead.
- ✓
Keylogger
Why this is correct
A keylogger is malware that records every keystroke typed on a compromised host, typically storing or transmitting them to the attacker. Capturing keystrokes is its sole defining capability, so it matches the described tool exactly.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.