- A
Trojan, because the malware may have been disguised as a legitimate application.
Why wrong: A trojan can deliver many payloads, but the encryption, ransom note, and deleted shadow copies are stronger indicators of a ransomware infection.
- B
Worm, because the malware likely spread automatically to other systems.
Why wrong: Worms are defined by self-spreading behavior, but the symptoms here focus on encryption and extortion rather than network propagation.
- C
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
Rootkit, because the attacker would want to hide persistence on the system.
Why wrong: 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.
Quick Answer
Ransomware is the correct answer because the scenario describes file encryption (evidenced by random extensions), a ransom note demanding cryptocurrency, and the deliberate deletion of Volume Shadow Copies (VSS) to block recovery. These three symptoms—encrypted files, extortion demand, and backup sabotage—are the classic triad of a crypto-ransomware attack. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish ransomware from other malware like trojans or worms; a common trap is confusing VSS deletion with a system cleanup tool, but ransomware specifically targets backups to maximize pressure. Remember the memory tip: “Encrypt, Extort, Erase VSS” — if you see all three, it’s ransomware every time.
SY0-701 Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigations. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. 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 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?
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
Ransomware, because the files were encrypted and payment was demanded.
The scenario describes files renamed with random extensions (indicating encryption), a ransom note demanding cryptocurrency, and deletion of Volume Shadow Copies (VSS) to prevent file recovery. These are hallmark behaviors of ransomware, specifically a crypto-ransomware variant that encrypts user data and removes backup copies to maximize extortion pressure.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Trojan, because the malware may have been disguised as a legitimate application.
Why it's wrong here
A trojan can deliver many payloads, but the encryption, ransom note, and deleted shadow copies are stronger indicators of a ransomware infection.
- ✗
Worm, because the malware likely spread automatically to other systems.
Why it's wrong here
Worms are defined by self-spreading behavior, but the symptoms here focus on encryption and extortion rather than network propagation.
- ✓
Ransomware, because the files were encrypted and payment was demanded.
Why this is correct
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.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Rootkit, because the attacker would want to hide persistence on the system.
Why it's wrong here
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 traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates see 'files renamed' and 'ransom note' but may confuse the delivery method (Trojan) or propagation (Worm) with the actual malware type, which is defined by its payload—encryption for extortion—not how it arrived or spread.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Modern ransomware often uses strong symmetric encryption (e.g., AES-256) to encrypt files quickly, then encrypts the symmetric key with an asymmetric public key (e.g., RSA-2048) so only the attacker can decrypt. Deleting Volume Shadow Copies via `vssadmin delete shadows /all` or `wmic shadowcopy delete` is a common post-exploitation step to block recovery using Previous Versions or System Restore points, which is why the exam emphasizes this detail.
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.
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
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
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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 — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Ransomware, because the files were encrypted and payment was demanded. — The scenario describes files renamed with random extensions (indicating encryption), a ransom note demanding cryptocurrency, and deletion of Volume Shadow Copies (VSS) to prevent file recovery. These are hallmark behaviors of ransomware, specifically a crypto-ransomware variant that encrypts user data and removes backup copies to maximize extortion pressure.
What should I do if I get this SY0-701 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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.
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