Quick Answer
The answer is to disconnect the computer from the network. This is the best immediate action because ransomware often includes worm-like capabilities or relies on network shares to encrypt connected drives and spread laterally to other systems; cutting the network cable or disabling the wireless adapter creates an air gap that halts the encryption’s propagation and prevents the attacker from maintaining command-and-control communication. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this scenario tests your understanding of incident response containment procedures under the “System Hacking” and “Malware Threats” domains, where the common trap is to waste time rebooting or running an antivirus scan first—both of which can trigger additional encryption or data exfiltration. Remember the memory tip: “Isolate before you investigate,” or simply think of the three I’s—Immediate Isolation Inhibits Infection.
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of malware, social engineering and network attacks. 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 reports that their computer is infected with ransomware. Which of the following is the BEST immediate action for the security team to take?
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.
Disconnect the computer from the network
Isolation prevents further damage.
Pay the ransom to regain access
Why wrong: Paying ransom is not recommended.
Run a full antivirus scan
Why wrong: Running a scan may alert the malware; isolation first is critical.
Restore the system from a recent backup
Why wrong: Restoration should occur after containment and analysis.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Disconnect the computer from the network
The first step is to isolate the infected machine from the network to prevent the ransomware from spreading to other systems.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Disconnect the computer from the network
Why this is correct
Isolation prevents further damage.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Pay the ransom to regain access
Why it's wrong here
Paying ransom is not recommended.
Run a full antivirus scan
Why it's wrong here
Running a scan may alert the malware; isolation first is critical.
Restore the system from a recent backup
Why it's wrong here
Restoration should occur after containment and analysis.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the CEH exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which CEH exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Malware, Social Engineering and Network Attacks — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Malware, Social Engineering and Network Attacks practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All CEH questions
1,010 questions across all exam domains
Certified Ethical Hacker CEH study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
CEH practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise CEH questions linked to Footprinting, Reconnaissance and Scanning.
Practise CEH questions linked to Enumeration and System Hacking.
Practise CEH questions linked to Malware, Social Engineering and Network Attacks.
Practise CEH questions linked to Web Application and Injection Attacks.
Practise CEH questions linked to Introduction to Ethical Hacking.
Practise CEH questions linked to Scanning Networks and Enumeration.
Practise CEH questions linked to Vulnerability Analysis and System Hacking.
Practise CEH questions linked to Advanced Topics: Wireless, Cloud, IoT, Cryptography.
Practise CEH questions linked to Footprinting and Reconnaissance.
Practise CEH questions linked to Network and Web Application Attacks.
Practise CEH questions linked to Wireless, IoT and Cloud Security.
Practise CEH questions linked to Cryptography and Malware Analysis.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Malware, Social Engineering and Network Attacks — This question tests Malware, Social Engineering and Network Attacks — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Disconnect the computer from the network — The first step is to isolate the infected machine from the network to prevent the ransomware from spreading to other systems.
Identify which CEH exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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.
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
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
This CEH practice question is part of Courseiva's free EC-Council 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 CEH 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.