FORTINET-NSE123 Nse 1 Foundational Cybersecurity Concepts Practice Question
Which TWO mechanisms are commonly utilized by attackers to establish persistence on a compromised workstation so they can retain access after a system reboot? (Choose two.)
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
✓
Installing a kernel-level rootkit that hooks into core operating system processes.
Attackers maintain persistence through mechanisms such as scheduled tasks, startup registry keys, or installed rootkits.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Running a temporary calculation script inside an isolated browser incognito tab.
Why it's wrong here
Incognito tabs discard session data and history upon closure, failing to provide persistence.
- ✗
Running an optional software update diagnostic tool provided by the hardware manufacturer.
Why it's wrong here
Manufacturer diagnostic tools are legitimate maintenance utilities, not malware persistence vectors.
- ✓
Installing a kernel-level rootkit that hooks into core operating system processes.
Why this is correct
Rootkits embed themselves deeply into the OS kernel to hide malicious activity and survive reboots.
- ✗
Clearing the system browser cache and emptying the local operating system recycle bin.
Why it's wrong here
Clearing cache and recycle bins removes data and forensic evidence, rather than establishing persistence.
- ✓
Modifying operating system startup registry keys or creating automated scheduled tasks.
Why this is correct
Startup registry keys and scheduled tasks execute malicious payloads automatically whenever the system boots.
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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.