Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
Exhibit
File server FS-02: C:\Shared\Finance\Q4\APR_invoice.xlsx -> APR_invoice.xlsx.locked C:\Shared\Finance\Q4\Budget2026.docx -> Budget2026.docx.locked C:\Shared\Finance\Q4\README_RECOVER.txt created in every directory Command history from the server console: vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet wmic shadowcopy delete Users report they can see filenames but cannot open the files.
Based on the exhibit, which malware type is most likely involved?
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 was likely disguised as a legitimate file.
A trojan is malicious software disguised as something useful or normal. The exhibit does not show a disguised installer or a fake utility; it shows file encryption, ransom notes, and shadow copy deletion. Those are hallmark behaviors of an encryption-based extortion event, not simply a disguised payload.
B
Distractor review
Spyware, because the attacker is trying to monitor user activity quietly.
Spyware focuses on covert observation, such as capturing keystrokes, browsing habits, or credentials. Here, the files are renamed and made inaccessible, and recovery features were deliberately deleted. That behavior is destructive and extortion-oriented, which is not typical of spyware.
C
Best answer
Ransomware, because files were encrypted and recovery options were intentionally removed.
This is ransomware. The file extensions changed, a ransom note was dropped into folders, and Volume Shadow Copy data was deleted to hinder recovery. Those are classic signs that the attacker intends to deny access to data and pressure the victim into payment. The visible symptom is loss of file availability, not stealthy monitoring or simple corruption.
D
Distractor review
Rootkit, because the attacker is hiding from the operating system.
Rootkits are designed to conceal malicious presence, often by modifying system components or hiding processes and files. This exhibit shows overt damage and extortion, not stealth. The renamed documents and recovery-note files are much more characteristic of ransomware than of a rootkit.
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 files were encrypted and recovery options were intentionally removed. — The correct answer is ransomware. The server shows renamed files with a new extension, a recovery note created in each directory, and commands that delete shadow copies. Those details are strongly associated with data-encryption extortion campaigns. The attacker is not just hiding or spying; they are preventing access to files and reducing the victim’s recovery options to increase pressure for payment. Why others are wrong: A is a generic malware category and does not explain encryption or the ransom note. B is focused on covert data collection, but the exhibit shows deliberate denial of access. D is about stealth and persistence, not visible file encryption and destruction of backup snapshots. The combination of symptoms clearly points 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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