Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A remote user's laptop begins launching a legitimate-looking "System Update" application at login. After the update window appears, the browser homepage changes, outbound traffic increases, and the user later reports that saved passwords are being used in unauthorized logins. Which malware type is the most likely primary infection?
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
Distractor review
Worm, because it is spreading automatically to nearby systems on the network.
A worm would typically show self-replication behavior across multiple hosts, which is not the main symptom here.
B
Best answer
Trojan, because it is disguised as a harmless utility while delivering malicious payloads.
A trojan commonly masquerades as a legitimate application, then installs or runs additional malicious functions such as credential theft and persistence.
C
Distractor review
Ransomware, because files would be encrypted and a payment demand would appear.
Ransomware usually announces itself through file encryption or extortion messaging, which is not described in the scenario.
D
Distractor review
Rootkit, because the malware is hiding its own presence by modifying kernel behavior.
Rootkits focus on concealment and stealth at the system level; the visible fake updater and browser changes point more strongly to a trojan.
Common exam trap
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.
Technical deep dive
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.
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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?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Trojan, because it is disguised as a harmless utility while delivering malicious payloads. — The best answer is trojan. The fake "System Update" application is a classic disguise used to trick the user into executing malicious code. Once installed, trojans often deliver payloads such as browser hijackers, credential stealers, or spyware, which matches the changed homepage, suspicious traffic, and stolen passwords. The primary classification is based on the delivery and disguise method. Why others are wrong: Worms emphasize automatic spread, which is not the main symptom here. Ransomware would typically encrypt files or display an extortion note. Rootkits are designed to hide malware at a deeper system level, but the scenario centers on a deceptive installer and post-install malicious behavior, not stealth concealment as the defining trait.
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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