Question 1easymultiple choice
Full question →easymultiple choiceObjective-mapped
Exhibit
Host activity log 11:22:08 Command executed: vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet 11:22:15 Files in Finance share renamed with extension .enc 11:22:21 Ransom note created: READ_ME_NOW.txt 11:22:28 Multiple user documents no longer open correctly
Based on the exhibit, what type of malware is most likely present?
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
Best answer
Ransomware, because the files are being renamed and recovery copies are being deleted.
The combination of shadow copy deletion, mass file renaming, and a ransom note is a strong match for ransomware. The attacker is attempting to prevent recovery while demanding payment or coercing the victim, which is exactly the pattern shown in the exhibit.
B
Distractor review
Adware, because documents are no longer opening correctly.
Adware is usually associated with unwanted advertising, not encryption and destructive recovery actions.
C
Distractor review
Rootkit, because the system is using a command-line utility.
Rootkits focus on hiding presence and persistence, not file encryption and ransom notes.
D
Distractor review
Spyware, because the attacker wants to read user documents.
Spyware is designed to collect information covertly, not to rename files and delete restore points.
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 are being renamed and recovery copies are being deleted. — The exhibit contains several classic ransomware indicators: deletion of shadow copies, file extensions changing, and a ransom note appearing after documents become unusable. Those actions are intended to block easy recovery and pressure the victim into paying. Even at an entry level, this pattern is much more specific to ransomware than to other malware categories. Why others are wrong: Adware causes unwanted ads, not encryption. Rootkits hide and persist but do not usually rename files or delete restore points. Spyware focuses on stealthy data collection, whereas this exhibit shows obvious destructive behavior and extortion language. The observable actions strongly point to ransomware.
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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