FC0-U71 Applications and Software Practice Question
A user receives a file with the extension .exe from an unknown sender. Before running it, the user wants to verify whether the file is safe. Which action best helps the user evaluate the risk?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is thinking that changing a file extension or opening it carefully makes an unknown executable safe to inspect.
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
✓
Scan the file with updated antivirus software and check its reputation before running it.
The safest way to evaluate an unexpected executable is to scan it with updated antivirus protection and review its reputation or digital signature before running it. Opening, renaming, or forwarding the file either executes it, fails to neutralize it, or spreads the danger. Scanning and reputation checks provide evidence the user can act on.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Scan the file with updated antivirus software and check its reputation before running it.
Why this is correct
Scanning with current antivirus signatures and checking the file's reputation can detect known malware and flag suspicious or unsigned executables. This lets the user make an informed decision before execution. It is not a guarantee of safety, but it is the appropriate risk-evaluation step for an unexpected executable from an unknown source.
- ✗
Forward the file to coworkers so they can test it first.
Why it's wrong here
Forwarding a potentially malicious executable spreads the risk to other users and their systems. Coworkers are not a safe testing environment, and their machines could be infected or their data compromised. This action does not help the original user evaluate the file and may violate organizational security policies.
- ✗
Rename the file to .txt and then run it.
Why it's wrong here
Renaming an executable to a text extension does not change its contents or make it safe. If the user later runs it with its original association or restores the extension, the malicious code still executes. Changing the extension can also break legitimate functionality, and it does not help the user determine whether the program is trustworthy.
- ✗
Open the file immediately to see what it does.
Why it's wrong here
Opening an executable from an unknown sender can instantly run malicious code, install malware, or encrypt files. The user would have no chance to evaluate risk before damage occurs. Executables are active programs, not passive documents, so previewing them by double-clicking is unsafe and does not provide a safe way to assess the file.
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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.