The correct answer is keylogger, a specific type of spyware designed to record every keystroke made on a workstation and transmit that data to an external server. This matches the scenario exactly because keyloggers operate stealthily, often without the user’s knowledge or consent, capturing sensitive information like passwords and credit card numbers. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your ability to differentiate between broad malware categories and their specific variants—spyware is the umbrella term, but keylogger is the precise malware described when keystroke recording and data exfiltration are involved. A common trap is choosing “spyware” without narrowing it down, so remember that the exam rewards specificity when the symptoms point to a distinct subtype. Memory tip: think “keys” for keystrokes and “logger” for recording—if it logs your keys, it’s a keylogger.
220-1102 Malware Types and Removal Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of malware types and removal. 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.
During a routine security audit, a technician discovers that a user's workstation has a program that records keystrokes and periodically sends the data to an external server. The user denies installing any software recently. Which type of malware is this?
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 spyware that records keystrokes to capture sensitive information like passwords. It often operates stealthily without the user's knowledge, matching the scenario where the user did not install anything. Spyware is the broader category, but keylogger is the specific variant described.
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.
✗
Trojan horse
Why it's wrong here
A Trojan disguises itself as legitimate software but does not necessarily record keystrokes; it may give remote access.
✗
Worm
Why it's wrong here
A worm self-replicates across networks, but it does not typically record keystrokes or send data to a server.
✓
Keylogger
Why this is correct
A keylogger specifically records keystrokes and sends them to an attacker, exactly as described.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Ransomware
Why it's wrong here
Ransomware encrypts files and demands payment; it does not record keystrokes or exfiltrate data.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 220-1202 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1202 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Malware Types and Removal — This question tests Malware Types and Removal — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Keylogger — A keylogger is a type of spyware that records keystrokes to capture sensitive information like passwords. It often operates stealthily without the user's knowledge, matching the scenario where the user did not install anything. Spyware is the broader category, but keylogger is the specific variant described.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1202 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. During a routine security audit, a technician finds that a user's computer has an unknown program running that is sending keystrokes and screenshots to a remote server. The user did not install this program. Which type of malware is this?
easy
A.Rootkit
B.Worm
✓ C.Keylogger
D.Ransomware
Why C: A keylogger records keystrokes and can capture screenshots, sending data to an attacker. This is a form of spyware, not a worm, rootkit, or ransomware, which have different behaviors.
Variation 2. A technician is investigating a security breach where sensitive customer data was exfiltrated. The only malware found is a hidden driver that intercepts keystrokes and sends them to a remote server. Which malware type is responsible, and what is the best removal strategy?
hard
A.Spyware; remove by running a standard antivirus scan.
✓ B.Keylogger; use a rescue disk to boot and run an anti-rootkit scanner.
C.Ransomware; restore from backup.
D.Adware; uninstall suspicious programs from Control Panel.
Why B: A keylogger records keystrokes to steal credentials and sensitive data. As a kernel-level rootkit, it hides from standard scans. Booting from a rescue disk and using a specialized anti-rootkit tool is necessary to remove it without reinstalling the OS.
Last reviewed: Jun 19, 2026
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