Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
Exhibit
Help desk incident notes: - User installed a free video converter from an unofficial download site. - Browser home page changed without permission. - A new extension appeared named "QuickSearch Helper". - Outbound traffic to tracking.example-cdn.net increased every few minutes. - The endpoint security console reports that saved browser cookies were accessed by an unknown process.
Based on the exhibit, what type of malware is the most likely issue on the workstation?
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
Spyware, because the system appears to be collecting user data silently.
Spyware is the best fit because the symptoms show covert data collection and tracking behavior. The unwanted browser extension, the repeated outbound traffic to a tracking domain, and the access to saved cookies all point to surveillance and data theft rather than encryption or destructive behavior.
B
Distractor review
Ransomware, because the browser settings changed after installation.
Ransomware would typically encrypt files or display payment demands. A homepage change alone is not enough to indicate ransomware, and the exhibit instead highlights data collection and tracking.
C
Distractor review
Rootkit, because the endpoint security console detected an unknown process.
A rootkit is designed to hide malware or give persistent privileged access. The exhibit does not mention kernel-level hiding, disabled security tools, or stealthy privilege escalation, so spyware is a better match.
D
Distractor review
Worm, because the software was installed from an unofficial website.
A worm spreads itself across systems, usually without user installation. Here the user manually installed a suspicious utility, which is more consistent with spyware or bundled adware behavior than worm propagation.
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: Spyware, because the system appears to be collecting user data silently. — The correct answer is spyware. The clues point to unauthorized monitoring: the suspicious browser extension, the changed homepage, periodic outbound traffic to a tracking domain, and access to saved cookies. Those are signs that the system is collecting user activity or credentials quietly. The fact that the issue began after an unofficial download also fits bundled surveillance software or a malicious utility masquerading as a free tool. Why others are wrong: Ransomware focuses on file encryption and extortion, which are absent here. Rootkits hide themselves and maintain stealthy access, but the exhibit emphasizes browser tracking and cookie access instead. Worms self-replicate across machines and are not typically tied to a user-installed free utility. The best interpretation is covert monitoring and data theft, which is spyware.
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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