- A
Files are renamed or encrypted and no longer open normally
Renamed or encrypted files are a strong sign of ransomware because the malware is preventing normal access to data.
- B
A ransom note demands payment for decryption or restoration
A ransom note that asks for payment is one of the clearest indicators that the malware is ransomware rather than another type.
- C
The mouse pointer moves slowly after long idle periods
Why wrong: Slow pointer movement is not a reliable malware indicator and can happen for many harmless performance reasons.
- D
The browser homepage changed after a software update
Why wrong: A changed homepage may indicate adware or a user setting issue, but it does not specifically point to ransomware.
- E
A new USB keyboard is detected by the operating system
Why wrong: New peripheral detection is normal system behavior and has no direct connection to file encryption or ransom demands.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that file renaming with a new extension and the presence of a ransom note are the two key indicators of ransomware. This is because ransomware encrypts the original files, appending a new extension like .encrypted or .locked, and then displays a ransom note demanding payment for the decryption key—exactly matching the scenario where documents are renamed and access is blocked. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish active ransomware indicators from general malware symptoms; a common trap is confusing file renaming with simple corruption or misattributing shared drive blockage to a network issue rather than encryption. Remember that ransomware indicators always pair file encryption with a payment demand, while shadow copy deletion is a separate, later-stage indicator used to prevent recovery. For a quick memory tip, think “Ransomware Renames + Ransom Note = Encryption Confirmed.”
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. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. 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.
A user's workstation suddenly renames documents with a new extension, displays a ransom note, and blocks access to a shared drive. Which two indicators support ransomware? Select two.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Files are renamed or encrypted and no longer open normally
Option A is correct because ransomware typically encrypts files and renames them with a new extension (e.g., .encrypted, .locked), making them unopenable without the decryption key. This behavior directly matches the scenario where documents are renamed and access is blocked, confirming file encryption as a core indicator of ransomware.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Files are renamed or encrypted and no longer open normally
Why this is correct
Renamed or encrypted files are a strong sign of ransomware because the malware is preventing normal access to data.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
A ransom note demands payment for decryption or restoration
Why this is correct
A ransom note that asks for payment is one of the clearest indicators that the malware is ransomware rather than another type.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The mouse pointer moves slowly after long idle periods
Why it's wrong here
Slow pointer movement is not a reliable malware indicator and can happen for many harmless performance reasons.
- ✗
The browser homepage changed after a software update
Why it's wrong here
A changed homepage may indicate adware or a user setting issue, but it does not specifically point to ransomware.
- ✗
A new USB keyboard is detected by the operating system
Why it's wrong here
New peripheral detection is normal system behavior and has no direct connection to file encryption or ransom demands.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse general system performance issues (like a slow mouse) with ransomware indicators, but ransomware focuses on file encryption and ransom demands, not on input device behavior.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Ransomware often uses symmetric encryption (e.g., AES-256) to encrypt files quickly, then asymmetric encryption (e.g., RSA-2048) to protect the symmetric key. The ransom note is typically dropped as a text or HTML file (e.g., README.txt, HOW_TO_DECRYPT.html) in every affected directory, and the shared drive is blocked by encrypting its files or by modifying access control lists (ACLs) to deny the user permissions.
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.
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
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All SY0-701 questions
1,152 questions across all exam domains
- →
Security+ SY0-701 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
SY0-701 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related SY0-701 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
General Security Concepts practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to General Security Concepts.
Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations.
Security Architecture practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security Architecture.
Security Operations practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security Operations.
Security Program Management and Oversight practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security Program Management and Oversight.
Security+ social engineering questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ social engineering questions.
Security+ cryptography practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ cryptography.
Security+ IAM questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ IAM questions.
Security+ risk management questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ risk management questions.
Security+ incident response questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ incident response questions.
Security+ malware questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ malware questions.
Security+ vulnerability management questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ vulnerability management questions.
Practice this exam
Start a free SY0-701 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SY0-701 question test?
Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations — This question tests Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Files are renamed or encrypted and no longer open normally — Option A is correct because ransomware typically encrypts files and renames them with a new extension (e.g., .encrypted, .locked), making them unopenable without the decryption key. This behavior directly matches the scenario where documents are renamed and access is blocked, confirming file encryption as a core indicator of ransomware.
What should I do if I get this SY0-701 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Keep practising
More SY0-701 practice questions
- An HR analyst must send a salary file to an external auditor. The auditor only needs names, departments, and salary tota…
- An investigator receives a suspect laptop drive that may be used in court. Which approach best supports a forensically s…
- An investigator must collect data from a suspected insider-threat laptop so the evidence could be used in an HR and lega…
- An NDR tool shows a production web server sending small, periodic DNS queries to random-looking subdomains under a domai…
- An investigator needs to make a forensic image of a suspect laptop without changing the original drive contents. Which t…
- An operations team manages Linux servers over SSH. The security team wants to stop direct management access from employe…
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This SY0-701 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SY0-701 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.