The answer is a logic bomb. This is correct because the exhibit describes malicious code embedded within a legitimate program that remains dormant until a specific trigger condition is met—in this case, checking for a particular employee name before deleting critical system files. Unlike viruses or worms, a logic bomb does not self-replicate, and unlike spyware, it does not continuously exfiltrate data; it simply waits for its predefined trigger to activate. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this type of malware often appears in scenario-based questions where a script or scheduled task executes only under certain conditions, such as a specific date, user login, or file deletion event. A common trap is confusing logic bombs with trojans, but remember: a trojan disguises itself as something useful, while a logic bomb hides inside a legitimate program and only acts when triggered. Memory tip: think “bomb on a timer”—it sits quietly until the fuse is lit.
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. A key principle to apply: a logic bomb executes its payload only when specific conditions are met.. 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.
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 ($env:USERNAME -eq 'j.smith') { Remove-Item C:\Finance\Archive\* -Recurse -Force }
Security note: The script was added by a former contractor before departure.
Based on the exhibit, what type of malware is most likely present?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Task Scheduler entry on FIN-SRV2:
Task Name: MonthlyCleanup
Trigger: 12/31/2026 18:00
Action: powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File C:\Users\Public\cleanup.ps1
Script contents:
if ($env:USERNAME -eq 'j.smith') { Remove-Item C:\Finance\Archive\* -Recurse -Force }
Security note: The script was added by a former contractor before departure.
A
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
Worm
Why wrong: A worm self-replicates and spreads to other hosts. The exhibit shows a hidden trigger in a scheduled task, not replication behavior.
C
Spyware
Why wrong: Spyware collects information silently, such as browsing habits or credentials. The script here is designed to delete files, not quietly monitor the user.
D
Rootkit
Why wrong: 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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Logic bomb
The exhibit shows a script that checks for a specific employee name and, if the condition is met, deletes critical system files. This is a classic logic bomb: malicious code embedded in a legitimate program that executes when predefined conditions (e.g., a specific user, date, or event) are satisfied. Logic bombs do not self-replicate or continuously spy; they lie dormant until triggered.
Key principle: A logic bomb executes its payload only when specific conditions are met.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Logic bomb
Why this is correct
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.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
A logic bomb executes its payload only when specific conditions are met.
✗
Worm
Why it's wrong here
A worm self-replicates and spreads to other hosts. The exhibit shows a hidden trigger in a scheduled task, not replication behavior.
✗
Spyware
Why it's wrong here
Spyware collects information silently, such as browsing habits or credentials. The script here is designed to delete files, not quietly monitor the user.
✗
Rootkit
Why it's wrong here
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 traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse a logic bomb with a worm because both can cause damage, but they fail to recognize that a logic bomb requires a specific trigger condition and does not self-replicate, unlike a worm which spreads automatically.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
A worm self-replicates and spreads to other hosts. The exhibit shows a hidden trigger in a scheduled task, not replication behavior.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Logic bombs often leverage scheduled tasks (e.g., cron jobs on Linux or Task Scheduler on Windows) to check conditions at intervals. In this case, the script uses a hardcoded employee name as the trigger, which could be combined with a date check (e.g., 'if date == 2025-04-01') to cause damage on a specific day. Real-world logic bombs have been used in insider threats, such as a disgruntled employee setting a trigger to delete databases after their termination.
KKey Concepts to Remember
A logic bomb executes its payload only when specific conditions are met.
Common triggers include dates, times, user actions, or specific system states.
Payloads are often destructive, such as data deletion or system corruption.
Logic bombs can be difficult to detect before their trigger conditions are met.
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
A logic bomb executes its payload only when specific conditions are met.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. A logic bomb executes its payload only when specific conditions are met. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this SY0-701 question in full detail.
Review a logic bomb executes its payload only when specific conditions are met., then practise related SY0-701 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations — This question tests Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations — A logic bomb executes its payload only when specific conditions are met..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Logic bomb — The exhibit shows a script that checks for a specific employee name and, if the condition is met, deletes critical system files. This is a classic logic bomb: malicious code embedded in a legitimate program that executes when predefined conditions (e.g., a specific user, date, or event) are satisfied. Logic bombs do not self-replicate or continuously spy; they lie dormant until triggered.
What should I do if I get this SY0-701 question wrong?
Review a logic bomb executes its payload only when specific conditions are met., then practise related SY0-701 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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?
A logic bomb executes its payload only when specific conditions are met.
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