Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
After a workstation reboot, users see many files renamed with random extensions. A ransom note demands cryptocurrency, and Volume Shadow Copies were deleted from the machine. What malware type is most likely?
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
Trojan, because the malware may have been disguised as a legitimate application.
A trojan can deliver many payloads, but the encryption, ransom note, and deleted shadow copies are stronger indicators of a ransomware infection.
B
Distractor review
Worm, because the malware likely spread automatically to other systems.
Worms are defined by self-spreading behavior, but the symptoms here focus on encryption and extortion rather than network propagation.
C
Best answer
Ransomware, because the files were encrypted and payment was demanded.
Ransomware commonly encrypts files, deletes recovery options, and leaves a ransom note demanding payment. The random extensions and removed shadow copies are classic clues that the attacker wants to block restoration until payment is made.
D
Distractor review
Rootkit, because the attacker would want to hide persistence on the system.
Rootkits are designed for stealth and concealment, not for file encryption and ransom demands. The visible business impact here is data denial, which points elsewhere.
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: Ransomware, because the files were encrypted and payment was demanded. — Ransomware is the best match because the workstation shows the standard signs of extortion malware: files are encrypted or renamed, recovery copies are removed, and a ransom note demands cryptocurrency. Those actions are intended to deny access to data and force payment. The fact that the machine rebooted before symptoms appeared also fits a payload that detonated and then displayed its impact. Why others are wrong: A trojan is a delivery method or disguise, not the specific behavior shown here. A worm is focused on self-propagation and would typically be identified by rapid spread, not encryption and ransom messaging. A rootkit is about hiding presence and persistence, but this scenario is centered on obvious file damage and extortion.
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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