Question 1easymulti select
Full question →easymulti selectObjective-mapped
A user's workstation suddenly renames documents with a new extension, displays a ransom note, and blocks access to a shared drive. Which two indicators support ransomware? Select two.
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
Files are renamed or encrypted and no longer open normally
Renamed or encrypted files are a strong sign of ransomware because the malware is preventing normal access to data.
B
Best answer
A ransom note demands payment for decryption or restoration
A ransom note that asks for payment is one of the clearest indicators that the malware is ransomware rather than another type.
C
Distractor review
The mouse pointer moves slowly after long idle periods
Slow pointer movement is not a reliable malware indicator and can happen for many harmless performance reasons.
D
Distractor review
The browser homepage changed after a software update
A changed homepage may indicate adware or a user setting issue, but it does not specifically point to ransomware.
E
Distractor review
A new USB keyboard is detected by the operating system
New peripheral detection is normal system behavior and has no direct connection to file encryption or ransom demands.
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: Files are renamed or encrypted and no longer open normally — Ransomware commonly encrypts or renames files so users cannot open them, then displays a note demanding payment for recovery. Those two indicators together are the clearest signs in this scenario. Blocking access to a shared drive also fits the broader impact of ransomware, but the most direct evidence is the file disruption and the ransom demand. Those clues are much more specific than general performance or browser changes. Why others are wrong: A slow mouse pointer, a changed homepage, or a newly detected keyboard are not specific indicators of ransomware. They may reflect routine system changes, user activity, or unrelated software issues.
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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