Question 1hardmultiple choice
Full question →hardmultiple choiceObjective-mapped
After a suspected compromise, a server's local tools report sshd listening on port 22, but netstat and the EDR console fail to show the process that owns the socket. A reboot does not remove the issue, and firmware integrity checks pass. Which malware type is most likely installed?
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
Spyware, because hidden software is often used to collect credentials and data.
Spyware can hide and collect information, but the key indicator here is concealment of system processes and sockets at a low level, which points beyond ordinary surveillance malware.
B
Best answer
Rootkit, because it is designed to hide processes, drivers, or sockets from normal security tools.
Rootkit is the best answer because the core clue is stealth: the service exists, but common tools cannot attribute the socket to a process. That suggests kernel- or driver-level concealment rather than a normal user-space infection. The persistence after reboot further supports a deeply embedded implant that survives simple cleanup attempts.
C
Distractor review
Ransomware, because the server remains operational while still hiding evidence.
Ransomware's defining behavior is encryption or extortion, usually with obvious impact on access to files or systems. Hidden sockets alone do not match that pattern.
D
Distractor review
Logic bomb, because the issue persists after reboot and could trigger later.
A logic bomb activates when a condition is met, such as a date or event. This scenario is about stealth and concealment, not a delayed trigger mechanism.
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.
Related practice questions
Related SY0-701 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Security+ social engineering questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ social engineering questions.
Security+ cryptography practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ cryptography.
Security+ IAM questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ IAM questions.
Security+ risk management questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ risk management questions.
Security+ incident response questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ incident response questions.
Security+ malware questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ malware questions.
Security+ vulnerability management questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ vulnerability management questions.
Security+ security operations questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ security operations questions.
Security+ zero trust questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ zero trust questions.
Security+ authentication factors questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ authentication factors questions.
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: Rootkit, because it is designed to hide processes, drivers, or sockets from normal security tools. — A rootkit is the most likely malware type because the strongest evidence is the inability of standard monitoring tools to show the process that owns an active socket. Rootkits are built to hide processes, drivers, files, and network activity from administrators and security products. The persistence across reboot also suggests the malware is embedded deeply enough to survive ordinary cleanup. Why others are wrong: Spyware can be covert, but it does not usually hide kernel objects from EDR and netstat. Ransomware would normally show encryption or extortion behavior, which is absent here. Logic bombs depend on a trigger condition, and this scenario is about stealthy concealment rather than timed activation.
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.
Discussion
Loading comments…
Sign in to join the discussion.