The answer is a rootkit. This is correct because rootkits operate at the kernel or driver level, allowing them to intercept and modify system calls to hide processes, files, and registry keys from standard tools like Task Manager and antivirus software. The driver hash mismatch is a direct result of the rootkit tampering with the driver’s binary to evade integrity checks, while the missing antivirus service and inconsistent admin tool behavior confirm the malware is actively subverting security monitoring. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this scenario tests your ability to recognize rootkit symptoms as distinct from other malware types like Trojans or worms, which do not typically hide processes or alter driver hashes. A common trap is confusing rootkit behavior with a simple driver corruption or a bootkit, but the combination of hidden processes and hash mismatch is the giveaway. Memory tip: “Rootkit hides the kit”—if processes, drivers, or tools vanish or mismatch, think rootkit.
SY0-701 Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigations. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 workstation starts failing security checks. The antivirus service no longer appears in the running process list, a known driver's hash does not match the vendor's value, and a task manager view shows fewer processes than expected. The user also reports that local admin tools behave inconsistently. 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.
Why wrong: Spyware focuses on collecting information quietly, but it does not usually hide system objects or manipulate low-level process visibility.
B
Rootkit
A rootkit is designed to hide malicious activity and maintain stealth by manipulating operating system internals, drivers, or kernel components. Missing processes and hash mismatches support that conclusion.
C
Trojan
Why wrong: A trojan is malware disguised as legitimate software, but the symptoms here emphasize concealment after compromise rather than initial masquerading.
D
Logic bomb
Why wrong: A logic bomb triggers on a specific condition or date, but the described stealth and system hiding behavior do not fit that model.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Rootkit
The symptoms—antivirus service missing from the process list, a known driver's hash mismatch, fewer processes in Task Manager, and inconsistent admin tool behavior—are classic indicators of a rootkit. Rootkits operate at kernel or driver level, allowing them to hide processes, files, and registry keys from standard system tools, and they often tamper with driver hashes to evade integrity checks.
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.
✗
Spyware
Why it's wrong here
Spyware focuses on collecting information quietly, but it does not usually hide system objects or manipulate low-level process visibility.
✓
Rootkit
Why this is correct
A rootkit is designed to hide malicious activity and maintain stealth by manipulating operating system internals, drivers, or kernel components. Missing processes and hash mismatches support that conclusion.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Trojan
Why it's wrong here
A trojan is malware disguised as legitimate software, but the symptoms here emphasize concealment after compromise rather than initial masquerading.
✗
Logic bomb
Why it's wrong here
A logic bomb triggers on a specific condition or date, but the described stealth and system hiding behavior do not fit that model.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse a rootkit with a trojan because both can be stealthy, but the specific clues—driver hash mismatch and hidden processes—point to kernel-level manipulation unique to rootkits, not the user-level deception of a trojan.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Rootkits often use techniques like SSDT (System Service Descriptor Table) hooking or DKOM (Direct Kernel Object Manipulation) to hide processes and drivers from user-mode tools like Task Manager. The driver hash mismatch indicates the rootkit has replaced or patched a legitimate driver (e.g., a kernel-mode driver) to load its malicious code, bypassing Windows Driver Signature Enforcement (DSE) if not properly enforced. In a real-world scenario, a rootkit like 'TDL4' or 'Alureon' can survive reboots by infecting the Master Boot Record (MBR) or a boot driver, making detection difficult even with antivirus scans.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this SY0-701 question in full detail.
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: Rootkit — The symptoms—antivirus service missing from the process list, a known driver's hash mismatch, fewer processes in Task Manager, and inconsistent admin tool behavior—are classic indicators of a rootkit. Rootkits operate at kernel or driver level, allowing them to hide processes, files, and registry keys from standard system tools, and they often tamper with driver hashes to evade integrity checks.
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.
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?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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