Question 1easymultiple choice
Full question →easymultiple choiceObjective-mapped
Exhibit
Task Scheduler entry on FIN-SRV2:
Task Name: MonthlyCleanup
Trigger: 12/31/2026 18:00
Action: powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File C:\Users\Public\cleanup.ps1
Script contents:
if ($env:USERNAME -eq 'j.smith') { Remove-Item C:\Finance\Archive\* -Recurse -Force }
Security note: The script was added by a former contractor before departure.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
Logic bomb
The malicious action is set to occur only when a specific condition is met, in this case a date trigger and a username check. That makes it a logic bomb. Logic bombs stay hidden until a trigger event occurs, then they execute destructive or unauthorized actions such as deleting files.
B
Distractor review
Worm
A worm self-replicates and spreads to other hosts. The exhibit shows a hidden trigger in a scheduled task, not replication behavior.
C
Distractor review
Spyware
Spyware collects information silently, such as browsing habits or credentials. The script here is designed to delete files, not quietly monitor the user.
D
Distractor review
Rootkit
A rootkit hides malware or provides stealthy control at a deep system level. The evidence points to a time- and condition-based trigger, which is characteristic of a logic bomb.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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.
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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?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Logic bomb — This is a logic bomb because the harmful action is tied to a condition: a specific date and a specific username. Logic bombs can sit unnoticed for a long time and then execute when the trigger occurs. In this case, the scheduled task and script were planted in advance, making the event especially risky for an organization that may not notice it until the destructive action starts. Why others are wrong: A worm would spread to other machines, which is not shown in the task and script. Spyware is designed to collect information quietly rather than delete files. A rootkit focuses on hiding itself or granting stealthy control; the exhibit instead shows a delayed, conditional destructive action, which is the hallmark of a logic bomb.
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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