Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
After a user installs a free PDF converter from an unofficial site, the browser homepage changes, the endpoint protection agent stops launching, and the system begins making periodic outbound connections to the same unfamiliar IP address. No exploit was used during installation, and the installer appeared legitimate. What type of malware best matches this behavior?
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 the infection is spreading automatically across the network.
A worm self-replicates to other systems; this scenario focuses on a deceptive installer on one endpoint.
B
Best answer
Trojan, because it masquerades as useful software while delivering hidden malicious functionality.
A trojan is designed to look legitimate so users willingly install it, which matches the fake PDF converter. The changed homepage, disabled security tool, and recurring outbound connections are classic signs that the program is not behaving like the advertised utility. Trojans often install additional payloads, create persistence, or open remote access without the user realizing the original software was malicious.
C
Distractor review
Rootkit, because the attacker must have hidden files in the kernel.
Rootkits focus on hiding presence and evading detection, but the initial infection described here is better explained by disguised software delivery.
D
Distractor review
Spyware, because the main symptom is that the browser homepage changed.
Spyware often steals data, but the broader behavior includes persistence and remote communication from a trusted-looking installer.
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: Trojan, because it masquerades as useful software while delivering hidden malicious functionality. — The best answer is trojan. The user intentionally installed software that appeared useful, but it delivered malicious behavior after execution. That pattern is characteristic of a trojan rather than a worm or rootkit. The browser change and repeated outbound communications indicate the program is operating beyond its stated purpose and likely loading additional components or command-and-control functions in the background. Why others are wrong: A worm self-propagates, which is not shown here. A rootkit is more about concealment at the system or kernel level, and the question does not require that assumption. Spyware is possible in some cases, but the deceptive installer and broader malicious payload behavior are stronger indicators of a trojan.
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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