- A
Worm, because the infection is spreading automatically across the network.
Why wrong: A worm self-replicates to other systems; this scenario focuses on a deceptive installer on one endpoint.
- B
Trojan, because it masquerades as useful software while delivering hidden malicious functionality.
A trojan is designed to look legitimate so users willingly install it, which matches the fake PDF converter. The changed homepage, disabled security tool, and recurring outbound connections are classic signs that the program is not behaving like the advertised utility. Trojans often install additional payloads, create persistence, or open remote access without the user realizing the original software was malicious.
- C
Rootkit, because the attacker must have hidden files in the kernel.
Why wrong: Rootkits focus on hiding presence and evading detection, but the initial infection described here is better explained by disguised software delivery.
- D
Spyware, because the main symptom is that the browser homepage changed.
Why wrong: Spyware often steals data, but the broader behavior includes persistence and remote communication from a trusted-looking installer.
Quick Answer
The answer is a Trojan horse, because this malware type masquerades as legitimate or useful software—like a free PDF converter—while secretly executing hidden malicious actions. In this scenario, the user voluntarily installed the program, no exploit was used, and the installer appeared authentic, which perfectly aligns with the Trojan’s defining trait: deception rather than self-replication. The subsequent behavior—changing the browser homepage, disabling endpoint protection, and making unauthorized outbound connections—demonstrates the Trojan’s payload, which often includes backdoor access or data exfiltration. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish Trojans from worms (which self-replicate) and rootkits (which hide deep in the kernel). A common trap is assuming any malware that disables security is a rootkit, but the key clue here is the user’s voluntary installation of seemingly helpful software. Memory tip: “Trojan tricks, worm walks, rootkit hides”—if it looks like a gift but acts like a thief, it’s a Trojan.
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.
After a user installs a free PDF converter from an unofficial site, the browser homepage changes, the endpoint protection agent stops launching, and the system begins making periodic outbound connections to the same unfamiliar IP address. No exploit was used during installation, and the installer appeared legitimate. What type of malware best matches this behavior?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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
Trojan, because it masquerades as useful software while delivering hidden malicious functionality.
B is correct because the software masquerades as a legitimate PDF converter while secretly performing malicious actions—changing the browser homepage, disabling endpoint protection, and making unauthorized outbound connections. This is the classic definition of a Trojan horse: it appears useful but contains hidden, harmful functionality. The lack of an exploit and the user's voluntary installation further confirm it is a Trojan, not a self-replicating worm or a kernel-hiding rootkit.
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.
- ✗
Worm, because the infection is spreading automatically across the network.
Why it's wrong here
A worm self-replicates to other systems; this scenario focuses on a deceptive installer on one endpoint.
- ✓
Trojan, because it masquerades as useful software while delivering hidden malicious functionality.
Why this is correct
A trojan is designed to look legitimate so users willingly install it, which matches the fake PDF converter. The changed homepage, disabled security tool, and recurring outbound connections are classic signs that the program is not behaving like the advertised utility. Trojans often install additional payloads, create persistence, or open remote access without the user realizing the original software was malicious.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Rootkit, because the attacker must have hidden files in the kernel.
Why it's wrong here
Rootkits focus on hiding presence and evading detection, but the initial infection described here is better explained by disguised software delivery.
- ✗
Spyware, because the main symptom is that the browser homepage changed.
Why it's wrong here
Spyware often steals data, but the broader behavior includes persistence and remote communication from a trusted-looking installer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse a Trojan with a worm because both can cause network activity, but the key differentiator is that a worm spreads autonomously without user action, whereas a Trojan requires the user to intentionally run the malicious file.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
A worm self-replicates to other systems; this scenario focuses on a deceptive installer on one endpoint.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Trojans often use techniques like DLL sideloading or registry run keys to achieve persistence and disable security products via WMI or direct service control (sc stop). The periodic outbound connections likely indicate a command-and-control (C2) channel using HTTP/HTTPS or DNS tunneling, allowing the attacker to issue commands or exfiltrate data. In real-world scenarios, such as Emotet or Dridex, Trojans are delivered as fake installers and later download additional payloads like ransomware or credential stealers.
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 security team runs a vulnerability scan on a web application and discovers an unpatched SQL injection flaw. The team prioritises remediation by CVSS score — critical flaws are patched within 24 hours, high within 7 days. Questions like this test whether you understand vulnerability management processes, scanning tools, and remediation prioritisation.
What to study next
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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: Trojan, because it masquerades as useful software while delivering hidden malicious functionality. — B is correct because the software masquerades as a legitimate PDF converter while secretly performing malicious actions—changing the browser homepage, disabling endpoint protection, and making unauthorized outbound connections. This is the classic definition of a Trojan horse: it appears useful but contains hidden, harmful functionality. The lack of an exploit and the user's voluntary installation further confirm it is a Trojan, not a self-replicating worm or a kernel-hiding rootkit.
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: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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 →
Same concept, more angles
2 more ways this is tested on SY0-701
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. After a user installs a free PDF converter from an unofficial website, the laptop starts making periodic outbound connections to an unknown server, the browser homepage changes, and a new program launches at logon. What is the most likely malware type?
easy- A.Worm
- ✓ B.Trojan
- C.Rootkit
- D.Ransomware
Why B: The user downloaded and installed a program that appears legitimate (a PDF converter) but performs malicious actions: making outbound connections, changing browser settings, and adding a startup program. This is the classic behavior of a Trojan horse, which disguises itself as useful software to trick users into installing it, then executes hidden malicious functions. Unlike worms, Trojans do not self-replicate, and unlike ransomware or rootkits, the described symptoms focus on unauthorized remote access and persistence rather than file encryption or deep OS concealment.
Variation 2. After installing a free PDF-to-Word utility from an unofficial website, a user's laptop starts sending data to an unknown server and the security agent is disabled. Which malware type best fits?
easy- ✓ A.Trojan
- B.Worm
- C.Spyware
- D.Rootkit
Why A: A Trojan is malware disguised as legitimate software, such as a free PDF-to-Word utility, that performs malicious actions without the user's knowledge. In this scenario, the Trojan exfiltrates data to an unknown server and disables the security agent, which are classic Trojan behaviors—unlike self-replicating worms or passive spyware. The user's intentional download from an unofficial website is the typical infection vector for Trojans.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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