- A
It collects user information without consent.
Why wrong: Collecting info is spyware; ransomware focuses on encryption.
- B
It self-replicates to other systems without user interaction.
Why wrong: Self-replication is a characteristic of worms, not typically ransomware.
- C
It encrypts the victim's files.
Ransomware encrypts files to prevent access.
- D
It demands payment in exchange for decryption.
Ransomware demands a ransom for the decryption key.
- E
It disguises itself as legitimate software.
Why wrong: Disguising as legitimate is typical of trojans; ransomware can be delivered via trojans but is not defined by disguise.
Question 281 of 1,000
FC0-U61 Security Practice Question
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of security. 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 TWO of the following are characteristics of ransomware?
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
✓
It encrypts the victim's files.
Ransomware encrypts files and demands payment for decryption.
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.
- ✗
It collects user information without consent.
Why it's wrong here
Collecting info is spyware; ransomware focuses on encryption.
- ✗
It self-replicates to other systems without user interaction.
Why it's wrong here
Self-replication is a characteristic of worms, not typically ransomware.
- ✓
It encrypts the victim's files.
Why this is correct
Ransomware encrypts files to prevent access.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
It demands payment in exchange for decryption.
Why this is correct
Ransomware demands a ransom for the decryption key.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
It disguises itself as legitimate software.
Why it's wrong here
Disguising as legitimate is typical of trojans; ransomware can be delivered via trojans but is not defined by disguise.
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 FC0-U61 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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which FC0-U61 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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this FC0-U61 question test?
Security — This question tests Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: It encrypts the victim's files. — Ransomware encrypts files and demands payment for decryption.
What should I do if I get this FC0-U61 question wrong?
Identify which FC0-U61 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
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This FC0-U61 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-U61 exam.
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