A file server suddenly renames documents, creates ransom notes, and users can no longer open their files. Which malware type is most likely involved?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
Distractor review
Spyware
Spyware secretly collects information, but it does not usually encrypt files and demand payment.
Best answer
Ransomware
Ransomware encrypts or blocks access to data and demands payment for recovery. Renaming files and leaving ransom notes are classic signs, especially when users can no longer open shared documents.
Distractor review
Rootkit
A rootkit hides malware or attacker activity, but it does not typically rename files or display payment demands.
Distractor review
Worm
A worm spreads itself across systems, but file encryption and ransom notes point to a different malware type.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
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More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
Question 1
A laptop is suspected of being used in a malware incident. It is still powered on and connected to Wi-Fi. What should the responder do before shutting it down?
Question 2
An employee reports a ransomware note on a file server. The server is still powered on, shares are still being accessed, and management wants service restored as quickly as possible. What should the incident response team do first?
Question 3
An employee reports a ransomware note on a finance laptop. The laptop is still powered on, connected to Wi-Fi, and the user says they were just working in a spreadsheet. Management wants the fastest safe response that also preserves evidence. What should the responder do first?
Question 4
You are handed a company laptop suspected in an insider theft case. Legal says the evidence may be needed in court. Which action best preserves admissibility?
Question 5
A developer wants to reduce the risk of SQL injection in a new customer search form. Which two changes are the best mitigations? Select two.
Question 6
A branch office uses a flat LAN, and a compromise on one user workstation could spread quickly to finance systems. Management wants finance workstations isolated from general users, but finance staff still need access to a central finance application and network printer. What is the best design change?
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SY0-701 question test?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Ransomware — Ransomware is the correct answer because the symptoms match encryption-for-extortion behavior. File renaming, ransom notes, and blocked access to shared documents are all common indicators. Even though other malware can damage systems, the combination of encrypted files and payment demand is the key clue that this is ransomware rather than spyware, a rootkit, or a worm. Why others are wrong: Spyware focuses on surveillance and stealing data quietly. Rootkits hide access or malware presence, but they do not usually cause visible file encryption. Worms are self-propagating, but the described impact is not spreading; it is extortion through file loss. The ransom note and file changes make ransomware the best match.
What should I do if I get this SY0-701 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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