Question 1easymultiple choice
Full question →easymultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A file server suddenly renames documents with a new extension and displays a note demanding payment in cryptocurrency to restore access. What type of malware 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.
A
Best answer
Ransomware
This is the classic symptom pattern for ransomware. Files are renamed or encrypted, access is disrupted, and the attacker demands payment for recovery. The ransom note and the sudden file changes together make ransomware the best answer.
B
Distractor review
Spyware
Spyware hides activity and collects information without the user's knowledge. It usually does not encrypt files or demand payment for recovery.
C
Distractor review
Worm
A worm spreads across systems on its own, but the key symptom here is file encryption and ransom behavior, not network self-replication.
D
Distractor review
Rootkit
A rootkit is intended to conceal malicious access and processes. It does not usually rename files and demand cryptocurrency for unlocking them.
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 — The described behavior is ransomware because it encrypts or otherwise locks data and then demands payment for recovery. The new file extension, ransom note, and disruption of access are all strong indicators. This is one of the most recognizable malware patterns in operational environments, especially when shared drives and file servers are affected. Why others are wrong: Spyware is focused on silent data collection, not file encryption. Worms are self-spreading malware, but the payment demand and file changes point elsewhere. Rootkits are built for hiding and persistence, not for visibly locking files and issuing ransom instructions.
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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