FORTINET-NSE123 Nse 1 Foundational Cybersecurity Concepts Practice Question
An employee notices their computer screen locked with a message demanding cryptocurrency payment to restore encrypted files. What type of malware has infected the workstation?
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
✓
Ransomware that encrypts critical files and demands payment for access.
Ransomware encrypts user files and demands a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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A rootkit that grants administrative privileges to remote attackers.
Why it's wrong here
Rootkits hide their presence and system modifications, not specifically lock files for ransom.
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Ransomware that encrypts critical files and demands payment for access.
Why this is correct
The symptom of demanding payment for file decryption is characteristic of ransomware.
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Adware that automatically displays unwanted promotional banners.
Why it's wrong here
Adware focuses on advertising revenue rather than locking user files.
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Spyware that covertly records keystrokes and captures screenshots.
Why it's wrong here
Spyware operates secretly to gather data, whereas ransomware announces itself prominently.
About these practice questions
This FORTINET-NSE123 question is part of Courseiva's 296-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official Fortinet exam blueprint
This FORTINET-NSE123 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Fortinet 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 FORTINET-NSE123 exam.