- A
Rootkit
Why wrong: A rootkit provides hidden, privileged access to a system.
- B
Worm
Why wrong: A worm self-replicates across networks without requiring a host file.
- C
Trojan horse
Why wrong: A Trojan horse disguises itself as legitimate software but does not necessarily encrypt files.
- D
Ransomware
Ransomware encrypts data and demands payment.
Question 346 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.
Which type of malware is designed to encrypt files on a victim's system and demand payment for the decryption key?
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
✓
Ransomware
Ransomware is the correct answer because it is specifically designed to encrypt files on a victim's system using a symmetric or asymmetric encryption algorithm (e.g., AES-256, RSA-2048) and then demand a ransom payment, typically in cryptocurrency, in exchange for the decryption key. This type of malware directly targets data availability, a core component of the CIA triad, by rendering files inaccessible until the ransom is paid.
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.
- ✗
Rootkit
Why it's wrong here
A rootkit provides hidden, privileged access to a system.
- ✗
Worm
Why it's wrong here
A worm self-replicates across networks without requiring a host file.
- ✗
Trojan horse
Why it's wrong here
A Trojan horse disguises itself as legitimate software but does not necessarily encrypt files.
- ✓
Ransomware
Why this is correct
Ransomware encrypts data and demands payment.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between ransomware and Trojan horses, where candidates mistakenly choose Trojan horse because they associate it with malicious software that tricks users, but the key differentiator is that ransomware specifically encrypts files for extortion, whereas a Trojan horse may have various payloads like backdoors or keyloggers.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Modern ransomware often uses a combination of a fast symmetric cipher (e.g., AES-256) to encrypt file contents and an asymmetric cipher (e.g., RSA-2048) to protect the symmetric key, ensuring that only the attacker can decrypt the key. Some variants, like LockBit or REvil, also employ techniques such as deleting Volume Shadow Copies (vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all) and disabling system restore points to prevent recovery without the attacker's key. In a real-world scenario, a ransomware attack on a hospital could encrypt patient records and medical imaging files, forcing critical care delays until the decryption key is obtained.
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.
Quick reference
Symmetric Encryption Algorithm Comparison
| Algorithm | Key Size | Block Size | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AES-128 | 128-bit | 128-bit | Current standard | NIST approved; WPA3, TLS |
| AES-256 | 256-bit | 128-bit | Current standard | Preferred for sensitive / govt data |
| 3DES | 112-bit effective | 64-bit | Deprecated (2023) | Replaced by AES |
| DES | 56-bit | 64-bit | Broken | Cracked in < 24 h; never deploy |
| ChaCha20 | 256-bit | Stream cipher | Current | TLS 1.3, WireGuard |
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: Ransomware — Ransomware is the correct answer because it is specifically designed to encrypt files on a victim's system using a symmetric or asymmetric encryption algorithm (e.g., AES-256, RSA-2048) and then demand a ransom payment, typically in cryptocurrency, in exchange for the decryption key. This type of malware directly targets data availability, a core component of the CIA triad, by rendering files inaccessible until the ransom is paid.
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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