FC0-U71 Security Practice Question
A user downloads a free game from an untrusted website. After installation, the user's computer begins displaying pop-up advertisements frequently. Which type of malware is most likely installed?
⚠ Common exam trap
FC0-U71 often tests the distinction between adware (visible ads) and spyware (hidden monitoring), so candidates who see 'untrusted download' and jump to spyware miss the explicit pop-up symptom.
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
✓
Adware
Adware is malware that automatically displays or downloads unwanted advertisements, often bundled with free software from untrusted sources. The symptom described—frequent pop-up ads after installing a free game—matches adware's defining behavior. Unlike spyware, adware's primary goal is forced advertising rather than covert data collection.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Ransomware
Why it's wrong here
Ransomware encrypts files and demands payment; it does not inject advertising into browsing. It tempts because both arrive via untrusted downloads, and ransomware would be correct if the stem described files becoming inaccessible with a payment demand displayed instead of persistent pop-ups.
- ✓
Adware
Why this is correct
Adware specifically injects or displays unwanted pop-up advertisements, matching the symptom described after installing the untrusted game. Unlike ransomware, which encrypts files for extortion, or a trojan, which masquerades as legitimate software to deliver payloads, adware's primary function is advertising delivery, satisfying the stem's frequent pop-up constraint.
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Rootkit
Why it's wrong here
A rootkit conceals privileged access and persists stealthily; visible pop-up advertising is not its purpose. It tempts because rootkits also come from untrusted downloads, and a rootkit would be correct if the stem described hidden processes, disabled security tools or activity invisible to normal inspection.
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Spyware
Why it's wrong here
Spyware covertly collects user information such as keystrokes or browsing habits; adware is the category that displays unwanted pop-up advertisements. It tempts because spyware and adware frequently bundle together in free downloads, and spyware would be correct if the stem described stolen credentials or monitored activity rather than visible ads.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
This FC0-U71 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA 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 FC0-U71 exam.