- A
Worm
Why wrong: A worm primarily self-replicates and spreads to other systems, often over a network. This scenario focuses on one infected laptop showing payload behavior and persistence.
- B
Trojan
This is the best answer because the malicious software was disguised as a useful free tool. The symptoms include persistence, browser changes, and communication with an unknown server, which are common signs of a trojan payload. Trojans often arrive through deceptive downloads and then install additional harmful behavior after execution.
- C
Rootkit
Why wrong: A rootkit is designed to hide malicious activity and maintain deep system access. While hiding may occur, the visible symptoms here point more directly to a trojan infection.
- D
Ransomware
Why wrong: Ransomware typically locks files or systems and demands payment for restoration. This scenario does not describe file encryption or a ransom demand.
SY0-701 Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigations. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. A key principle to apply: trojans are malware disguised as legitimate software.. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
After a user installs a free PDF converter from an unofficial website, the laptop starts making periodic outbound connections to an unknown server, the browser homepage changes, and a new program launches at logon. What is the most likely malware type?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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
Trojan
The user downloaded and installed a program that appears legitimate (a PDF converter) but performs malicious actions: making outbound connections, changing browser settings, and adding a startup program. This is the classic behavior of a Trojan horse, which disguises itself as useful software to trick users into installing it, then executes hidden malicious functions. Unlike worms, Trojans do not self-replicate, and unlike ransomware or rootkits, the described symptoms focus on unauthorized remote access and persistence rather than file encryption or deep OS concealment.
Key principle: Trojans are malware disguised as legitimate software.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Worm
Why it's wrong here
A worm primarily self-replicates and spreads to other systems, often over a network. This scenario focuses on one infected laptop showing payload behavior and persistence.
- ✓
Trojan
Why this is correct
This is the best answer because the malicious software was disguised as a useful free tool. The symptoms include persistence, browser changes, and communication with an unknown server, which are common signs of a trojan payload. Trojans often arrive through deceptive downloads and then install additional harmful behavior after execution.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Trojans are malware disguised as legitimate software.
- ✗
Rootkit
Why it's wrong here
A rootkit is designed to hide malicious activity and maintain deep system access. While hiding may occur, the visible symptoms here point more directly to a trojan infection.
- ✗
Ransomware
Why it's wrong here
Ransomware typically locks files or systems and demands payment for restoration. This scenario does not describe file encryption or a ransom demand.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse the self-replicating behavior of a worm with the user-initiated installation of a Trojan, or mistake the visible symptoms (browser change, startup entry) for a rootkit's stealth, when in fact Trojans often exhibit overt persistence mechanisms to maintain access.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
A worm primarily self-replicates and spreads to other systems, often over a network. This scenario focuses on one infected laptop showing payload behavior and persistence.
Scenario analysis trap
A worm primarily self-replicates and spreads to other systems, often over a network. This scenario focuses on one infected laptop showing payload behavior and persistence.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Trojans often establish command-and-control (C2) channels using HTTP/HTTPS or DNS tunneling to exfiltrate data or receive instructions. The outbound connections to an unknown server suggest the Trojan is beaconing to a remote host, while the browser homepage change indicates registry or browser configuration file tampering (e.g., modifying HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\Start Page). The new program at logon is typically added via the Run registry key (HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run) or the Startup folder, ensuring persistence across reboots.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Trojans are malware disguised as legitimate software.
- They require user execution to infect a system.
- Trojans can establish persistence, modify system settings, and create backdoors.
- They often communicate with command-and-control (C2) servers.
TExam Day Tips
- 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.
Key takeaway
Trojans are malware disguised as legitimate software.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review trojans are malware disguised as legitimate software., then practise related SY0-701 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SY0-701 question test?
Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations — This question tests Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations — Trojans are malware disguised as legitimate software..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Trojan — The user downloaded and installed a program that appears legitimate (a PDF converter) but performs malicious actions: making outbound connections, changing browser settings, and adding a startup program. This is the classic behavior of a Trojan horse, which disguises itself as useful software to trick users into installing it, then executes hidden malicious functions. Unlike worms, Trojans do not self-replicate, and unlike ransomware or rootkits, the described symptoms focus on unauthorized remote access and persistence rather than file encryption or deep OS concealment.
What should I do if I get this SY0-701 question wrong?
Review trojans are malware disguised as legitimate software., then practise related SY0-701 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Trojans are malware disguised as legitimate software.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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