SY0-701 Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations Practice Question
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.
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often confuse general system performance issues (like a slow mouse) with ransomware indicators, but ransomware focuses on file encryption and ransom demands, not on input device behavior.
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
✓
Files are renamed or encrypted and no longer open normally
Ransomware typically encrypts files and renames them with a new extension (e.g., .encrypted, .locked), making them unopenable without the decryption key. This behavior directly matches the scenario where documents are renamed and access is blocked, confirming file encryption as a core indicator of ransomware.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Files are renamed or encrypted and no longer open normally
Why this is correct
Ransomware typically enumerates user files and applies symmetric encryption (e.g., AES) with a per-file key, then appends an extension such as .locked or .crypt. Renaming and encrypting prevents normal access via the OS file system, because the original file system metadata and content are replaced. This behavior is a direct, observable consequence of the malware's core objective: to hold data hostage until a ransom is paid.
- ✓
A ransom note demands payment for decryption or restoration
Why this is correct
The presence of a ransom note, often as a text file (e.g., restore_files.txt) or HTML page, is a defining indicator that distinguishes ransomware from other malware. The note typically includes payment instructions in cryptocurrency, a deadline escalation, and threat of data deletion or publication. This demand is a deliberate user interaction mechanism to coerce payment, which no other malware type uses as a primary function.
- ✗
The mouse pointer moves slowly after long idle periods
Why it's wrong here
Slow mouse movement after long idle periods is typically caused by power management features, display sleep, or high CPU usage from background processes, not by ransomware. Ransomware operates file I/O and encryption tasks in the background without altering input device polling. A performance symptom like this is too generic to be a reliable indicator of file-encrypting malware.
- ✗
The browser homepage changed after a software update
Why it's wrong here
A changed homepage is a common symptom of adware, browser hijackers, or potentially unwanted programs that modify browser shortcuts or registry settings; it does not indicate file encryption. Unlike ransomware, adware seeks to redirect traffic to generate ad revenue rather than to deny access to data. A homepage change alone is a weak indicator because it can also result from bundled software, a user preference reset, or a malicious extension, none of which exhibit the file-renaming payload characteristic of ransomware.
- ✗
A new USB keyboard is detected by the operating system
Why it's wrong here
The OS detecting a new USB keyboard is a Plug and Play event that can occur when a device is attached, a driver reinstallation happens, or a port is re-enumerated. It does not involve file access patterns or encryption. Ransomware might propagate via removable media, but peripheral detection alone is normal system behavior and provides no evidence of malicious encryption activity.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Threat Intelligence and Indicators of Compromise
Key term
Encryption
Encryption is the process of converting readable data into a secret code to prevent unauthorized access.
Key term
Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts a victim's files or locks them out of their system, demanding payment, usually in cryptocurrency, to restore access.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This SY0-701 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 SY0-701 exam.