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CCNA Malware Incidents Questions

34 questions · Malware Incidents topic · All types, answers revealed

1
Multi-Selecthard

Which THREE of the following are considered 'behavioral' indicators of a malware infection?

Select 3 answers
A.Unexplained outbound network connections to unknown IP addresses
B.A valid digital signature on a system file
C.High CPU utilization by an unknown background process
D.Frequent modifications to system-protected files
E.Presence of a file with a .txt extension
AnswersA, C, D

This indicates beaconing or exfiltration behavior.

Why this answer

Behavioral indicators involve the actions the malware takes, such as modifying system files, changing network configurations, or unexpected outbound connections.

2
MCQhard

You are reviewing logs from an EDR and see an indicator of 'Living off the Land' (LotL). Which tool usage would be considered an LotL attack?

A.Running a commercial vulnerability scanner
B.Installing a custom rootkit driver
C.Downloading an EXE from an unknown site
D.Executing encoded PowerShell scripts
AnswerD

This abuses trusted native binaries to execute malicious code.

Why this answer

Using 'PowerShell.exe' to execute base64-encoded scripts directly from memory is a quintessential LotL technique.

3
MCQhard

You are analyzing a malware sample that uses 'API Hooking'. What is the goal of this technique?

A.Increasing CPU priority
B.Bypassing network authentication
C.Interception and manipulation of system calls
D.Preventing the system from hibernating
AnswerC

Hooking allows the malware to intercept and alter system API execution.

Why this answer

API Hooking intercepts calls to system functions to modify their return values or redirect them, often used by malware to hide files or processes.

4
MCQmedium

You have identified a malicious DLL that is being loaded by a legitimate process. Which tool allows you to view which DLLs are loaded by a specific process?

A.Task Scheduler
B.Disk Cleanup
C.Device Manager
D.Process Explorer
AnswerD

The 'Show DLLs' feature in Process Explorer identifies all loaded modules.

Why this answer

Process Explorer's lower pane (when configured for DLLs) provides a clear list of all loaded modules/DLLs for any selected process.

5
MCQhard

You are analyzing a malware sample that uses Domain Generation Algorithms (DGA). What is the primary purpose of DGA in malware?

A.Evading static C2 blocklists
B.Spreading via local network shares
C.Encrypting the malware payload
D.Hiding processes from Task Manager
AnswerA

By constantly rotating domains, the malware avoids reliance on a single static IP/domain.

Why this answer

DGA is used to generate a large number of domain names daily, making it difficult for defenders to block the command-and-control server effectively.

6
MCQmedium

A malware infection has encrypted several network shares. You decide to restore from backups. What is the most critical step to perform before restoring data to the production environment?

A.Scan the backup media with the same AV used previously
B.Reboot the domain controllers
C.Restore data to a sandbox or isolated VLAN
D.Change all user passwords
AnswerC

Isolation prevents reinfection of the production network.

Why this answer

Restoring data into a clean, isolated environment is critical to ensure that the malware is not re-introduced or that the backup itself is not infected.

7
Multi-Selectmedium

When eradicating malware, which TWO of the following steps are essential to ensure the host is fully cleaned and the entry point is secured?

Select 2 answers
A.Change the background wallpaper to a default image
B.Identify and patch the vulnerability that allowed entry
C.Install a new browser plugin
D.Delete all identified malicious artifacts
E.Clear the browser cache
AnswersB, D

Without patching the entry point, the system will be reinfected.

Why this answer

Removing the malware payload is necessary, but identifying and closing the vulnerability that allowed entry is equally important to prevent reinfection.

8
MCQeasy

An analyst is reviewing logs from an EDR solution. They see a 'process hollowing' event. What is the primary purpose of this malware technique?

A.Brute-forcing system credentials
B.Hiding malicious code inside a legitimate process
C.Encrypting local user files
D.Creating a hidden user account
AnswerB

This technique masquerades malicious code as a trusted process.

Why this answer

Process hollowing is used to hide malicious code within the memory space of a legitimate, running process to evade detection by security software.

9
MCQmedium

You are analyzing a malware sample using Cuckoo Sandbox. The report shows the malware is attempting to modify the 'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run' registry key. What is the intent of this activity?

A.Injecting code into explorer.exe
B.Escalating user privileges
C.Establishing system persistence
D.Disabling the Windows Firewall
AnswerC

This registry key is the standard Windows autorun location for persistence.

Why this answer

Modifying this registry key is a classic technique for establishing persistence, ensuring the malware executes automatically upon system startup.

10
MCQhard

You are analyzing a malware sample in a lab. You notice the malware uses the 'CreateRemoteThread' API. What is the objective of this malware activity?

A.Opening a network socket
B.Deleting files on disk
C.Injecting a thread into another process
D.Modifying system time
AnswerC

This function is a standard primitive for cross-process execution.

Why this answer

The 'CreateRemoteThread' API is commonly used to inject a thread into a separate process, which is a fundamental step in DLL injection and code execution.

11
MCQmedium

You are using Wireshark to analyze traffic from an infected host. You notice consistent beaconing activity to an external IP on port 443. How do you isolate this traffic in your capture?

A.ip.addr == [IP_ADDRESS]
B.tcp.port == 80
C.frame.len > 1000
D.http.request
AnswerA

This filter restricts the display to traffic involving the specific IP.

Why this answer

The filter 'ip.addr == [IP_ADDRESS]' specifically isolates all packets associated with the destination IP suspected of being the C2 server.

12
Multi-Selecthard

When analyzing a potentially malicious script, which THREE of the following techniques help in deobfuscating the code?

Select 3 answers
A.Renaming the file extension to .txt
B.Running the script as an administrator
C.Decrypting embedded strings
D.Using an emulator for script execution
E.Manual code tracing in a debugger
AnswersC, D, E

Malware often hides C2 URLs or commands in encrypted strings.

Why this answer

Static code analysis, string decryption, and executing in a controlled emulator help to reveal the underlying intent of obfuscated scripts.

13
MCQmedium

You have identified an infected machine and need to perform a memory dump before it is wiped. Which tool is the industry standard for acquiring a full memory dump on a Windows machine for incident response?

A.Wireshark
B.Magnet RAM Capture
C.Windows Task Manager
D.Event Viewer
AnswerB

This tool is widely used for creating reliable memory images.

Why this answer

Magnet RAM Capture or WinPmem are standard tools for acquiring full memory dumps in a forensic-sound manner.

14
MCQmedium

A malware sample was found to use a 'Mutex' to ensure only one instance of the malware runs at a time. What tool would you use to find the Mutex name on an infected host?

A.TCPView
B.Procmon
C.Autoruns
D.Handle
AnswerD

The 'handle' tool lists open handles and identifies Mutex objects.

Why this answer

Sysinternals Handle is designed to list all open handles, including Mutexes, on a running system.

15
MCQeasy

A system has been infected by a worm that is spreading across the network. What is the most immediate action to stop the spread?

A.Update the BIOS on all machines
B.Block propagation ports at the network level
C.Disable the internet gateway
D.Email all users to reboot
AnswerB

Blocking the ports used by the worm prevents it from reaching new hosts.

Why this answer

Isolating the affected segments or blocking the ports used for the worm's propagation (e.g., SMB/445) is essential to stop lateral movement.

16
Multi-Selectmedium

Which THREE of the following are effective methods for protecting backup systems from being encrypted by ransomware?

Select 3 answers
A.Restricting backup service account permissions
B.Storing backups on the same server as the primary data
C.Using immutable storage solutions
D.Using an easy-to-guess password for the backup drive
E.Implementing air-gapped backup storage
AnswersA, C, E

Least privilege prevents ransomware from accessing and deleting backups.

Why this answer

Backups should be immutable, physically or logically isolated (air-gapped), and have strictly controlled access to prevent modification or deletion by ransomware.

17
MCQeasy

During an incident, you need to isolate a compromised workstation from the network immediately. Which action is the most effective containment strategy while preserving volatile memory?

A.Shut down the computer immediately
B.Disconnect the network cable
C.Delete the suspicious files
D.Run a full antivirus scan
AnswerB

This provides immediate containment without losing volatile evidence.

Why this answer

Disconnecting the network cable or disabling the network interface card via BIOS/Switch port prevents C2 communication while keeping the system powered on for memory forensics.

18
MCQmedium

During a malware incident response, you identify a suspicious process with PID 4452 using Sysinternals Process Explorer. You need to verify the file's reputation before isolation. Which action allows you to do this directly within the tool?

A.Use the 'Find Handle or DLL' search bar for the file name
B.Select the process and click Options > Check VirusTotal
C.Right-click the process and select 'Verify Signature'
D.Navigate to View > Lower Pane View > Handles
AnswerB

This feature connects to VirusTotal to report the malware status.

Why this answer

Process Explorer provides a 'Check VirusTotal' feature under the Options menu to automatically submit file hashes to VirusTotal for reputation verification.

19
MCQhard

You are performing forensic analysis on a suspicious file. You need to determine if it is a packed executable. Which tool is most effective for viewing the file's section headers to identify anomalies?

A.PEview
B.Wireshark
C.Process Explorer
D.Regedit
AnswerA

PEview provides a view of the PE structure to identify non-standard sections.

Why this answer

PEview or CFF Explorer allows for detailed inspection of the Portable Executable structure, including section headers which often reveal abnormal names (e.g., UPX) for packed files.

20
MCQhard

You are using YARA to detect a specific strain of ransomware. You want to match a file if it contains a specific hex string OR a specific string value. How do you construct this in your rule?

A.condition: $a + $b
B.condition: $a != $b
C.condition: $a && $b
D.condition: $a or $b
AnswerD

The 'or' operator allows for flexible matching logic.

Why this answer

YARA uses the 'or' operator within the condition section to evaluate multiple criteria, allowing a match if either condition is met.

21
MCQhard

You are performing a live memory analysis using Volatility 3. You suspect a rootkit is hiding processes. Which plugin should you run to compare the process list from the EPROCESS block with the thread scheduler's list?

A.windows.netscan
B.windows.modules
C.windows.vadyarascan
D.windows.psscan
AnswerD

psscan finds processes by scanning for EPROCESS structures, exposing hidden processes.

Why this answer

The 'psxview' plugin in older versions or 'pslist' vs 'psscan' comparison helps identify hidden processes. In Volatility 3, 'windows.psscan' is used to find processes that are not linked in the active process list.

22
MCQeasy

During the 'Recovery' phase of the malware incident, what must be done to ensure the environment is safe before reconnecting the restored systems?

A.Perform a vulnerability scan
B.Delete all user profiles
C.Upgrade the OS to the latest version
D.Reformat all external hard drives
AnswerA

Scanning ensures the original attack vectors are no longer available.

Why this answer

Vulnerability scanning confirms that the original entry points or vulnerabilities used by the malware have been patched or mitigated.

23
MCQeasy

A user reports their system is running slowly, and you observe a suspicious file in 'C:\Users\[User]\AppData\Local\Temp'. What is the most appropriate first step in your investigation?

A.Re-image the computer
B.Delete the file immediately
C.Execute the file in a debugger
D.Calculate the file hash
AnswerD

Hashing allows for quick verification of known malicious signatures.

Why this answer

Calculating the file hash is the first step to verify the file's reputation against known databases like VirusTotal before performing intrusive analysis.

24
Multi-Selecthard

When reviewing network traffic for C2 communication, which THREE of the following indicators are commonly observed?

Select 3 answers
A.Connections from local users to a printer
B.Periodic connections (beaconing) to a specific IP
C.Traffic on non-standard ports (e.g., HTTPS on port 8080)
D.High volume of legitimate DNS traffic
E.Connections to recently registered domains
AnswersB, C, E

Malware frequently beacons to C2 servers on a fixed schedule.

Why this answer

Beaconing patterns, unusual protocol usage, and connections to newly registered domains are standard indicators of C2 activity.

25
Multi-Selecthard

Which THREE of the following tools would be most effective for performing live memory forensics on a compromised Windows workstation?

Select 3 answers
A.CCleaner
B.WinPmem
C.Magnet RAM Capture
D.Windows Update
E.Volatility 3
AnswersB, C, E

This is a reliable tool for memory acquisition on Windows.

Why this answer

Volatility, WinPmem, and Magnet RAM Capture are all specialized tools for volatile memory acquisition and analysis.

26
Multi-Selecteasy

Which TWO of the following sources of information are most helpful for building an Indicators of Compromise (IoC) list during an investigation?

Select 2 answers
A.EDR security event logs
B.HR handbook
C.Office printer logs
D.Firewall logs
E.Cafeteria menus
AnswersA, D

These logs provide host-based IoCs like file hashes and process paths.

Why this answer

Network logs and EDR logs provide the most direct evidence of a malware's activity, such as C2 communication and file system changes.

27
Multi-Selecteasy

Which TWO of the following activities are considered 'Eradication' steps in the incident response lifecycle?

Select 2 answers
A.Writing an incident report
B.Re-imaging infected workstations
C.Removing malicious files and registry keys
D.Conducting a post-incident meeting
E.Notifying the news media
AnswersB, C

This ensures the system is brought back to a known-clean state.

Why this answer

Eradication involves removing the malicious components and restoring clean systems to normal operations.

28
Multi-Selectmedium

Which THREE of the following indicators are found in email-based malware delivery?

Select 3 answers
A.Hidden links pointing to malicious domains
B.Sender address mismatching the organization's domain
C.The email has a standard company footer
D.The email was sent during business hours
E.Suspicious attachments (e.g., .zip, .docm)
AnswersA, B, E

Malicious URLs are a primary delivery method for malware.

Why this answer

Malicious emails often contain suspicious attachments, unexpected links (URLs) leading to malicious sites, and deceptive sender addresses to trick users.

29
MCQmedium

After eradicating a malware infection, you need to ensure the system is hardened against future occurrences. Which action is most effective against fileless malware?

A.Implement PowerShell Constrained Language Mode
B.Enable auto-updates for all applications
C.Install an extra antivirus
D.Enable full disk encryption
AnswerA

This restricts the ability of malicious scripts to call sensitive APIs.

Why this answer

Disabling PowerShell for non-administrative users or implementing Constrained Language Mode is a key defense against fileless script-based attacks.

30
MCQmedium

You suspect a file on a Linux server is malicious. What command can you use to obtain the MD5 hash of the file?

A.checkhash [filename]
B.hash -md5 [filename]
C.md5sum [filename]
D.echo md5 [filename]
AnswerC

This command outputs the MD5 checksum of the file.

Why this answer

The 'md5sum' utility is the standard tool in Linux distributions for calculating MD5 hashes.

31
Multi-Selectmedium

During a malware analysis, which TWO of the following indicators are typically used to identify persistence mechanisms in the Windows registry?

Select 2 answers
A.HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID
B.HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
C.HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services
D.HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MountPoints2
E.HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
AnswersC, E

Services are frequently used to run malware as background daemons.

Why this answer

The 'Run' keys and 'Services' keys are the most common locations malware uses to ensure automatic execution upon boot.

32
MCQeasy

An incident handler is analyzing a malware incident that used a phishing email. What is the most important field to check in the email header to determine the true origin of the email?

A.Received header
B.Subject line
C.Message-ID
D.Content-Type
AnswerA

The Received header tracks the hops the email made to reach the destination.

Why this answer

The 'Received' headers show the path the email took and the IP addresses of the mail servers involved, helping trace the original sender.

33
MCQmedium

You suspect a malware incident caused unauthorized data exfiltration. Which log source is most useful to identify the destination IP of the exfiltrated data?

A.Application logs
B.Local security policy settings
C.Firewall logs
D.System event logs
AnswerC

These logs record all outbound traffic, including destination IPs.

Why this answer

Firewall logs provide a record of all outbound connections and are the most reliable source for identifying destination IP addresses in an exfiltration event.

34
MCQeasy

Which document is essential to maintain during a malware incident to ensure accountability and track the actions taken by the incident response team?

A.User Manual
B.Incident Log
C.System Backup
D.Vulnerability Assessment Report
AnswerB

This is the primary record for tracking the IR process timeline.

Why this answer

An Incident Log (or Chain of Custody record) is critical for documenting every step, tool, and decision made during the response process.

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