Question 477 of 750

Malware Types and Removal →hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

Botnet: Symptoms of Unusual Network Traffic and Startup File

This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of malware types and removal. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 sending out a large amount of network traffic even when they are not using the internet. The antivirus detects a file named 'expl0rer.exe' in the startup folder. What type of malware is most likely causing this behavior?

Clue words in this question

Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.

Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.

A
Spyware
Why wrong: Spyware steals data but does not typically generate high outbound traffic unless exfiltrating large files.
B
Botnet
Botnet malware uses the infected machine to perform coordinated activities, causing unusual network traffic.
C
Virus
Why wrong: Viruses replicate by attaching to files but do not inherently cause high network traffic.
D
Trojan
Why wrong: Trojans may create backdoors but are not defined by generating network traffic.

Full breakdown with real-world context →

Quick Answer

The answer is a botnet, as the combination of unexplained heavy network traffic and a suspicious startup file like 'expl0rer.exe' directly indicates the computer is part of a remote-controlled network of infected machines. A botnet uses your system’s resources to perform tasks such as sending spam or launching DDoS attacks without your knowledge, which explains the unusual network traffic even when you are idle. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your ability to recognize botnet symptoms and distinguish them from other malware like worms or Trojans; a common trap is confusing the startup persistence with a simple virus, but the key clue is the coordinated outbound traffic. To remember, think of a botnet as a zombie army: your PC is a “zombie” controlled by a master, and the startup file is its command post.

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

✓

Botnet

The file name 'expl0rer.exe' mimics the legitimate 'explorer.exe' but uses a zero in place of the 'o', a common obfuscation technique. The symptom of high outbound network traffic without user activity, combined with the file's presence in the startup folder, strongly indicates the computer is part of a botnet. Botnet malware connects to a command-and-control (C2) server to receive instructions, often used for DDoS attacks or spam relays, which generates constant network activity.

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.

✗
Spyware
Why it's wrong here
Spyware steals data but does not typically generate high outbound traffic unless exfiltrating large files.
✓
Botnet
Why this is correct
Botnet malware uses the infected machine to perform coordinated activities, causing unusual network traffic.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Virus
Why it's wrong here
Viruses replicate by attaching to files but do not inherently cause high network traffic.
✗
Trojan
Why it's wrong here
Trojans may create backdoors but are not defined by generating network traffic.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword

The trap here is that candidates may confuse 'botnet' with 'trojan' because both can be installed stealthily, but the question's emphasis on sustained network activity is the key differentiator for botnet behavior.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

Botnet malware often uses HTTP or HTTPS to communicate with a C2 server, making it harder to block with simple port filtering. The malware may also use domain generation algorithms (DGAs) to periodically generate new C2 domains, evading static blocklists. In a real-world scenario, such as the Mirai botnet, infected devices would scan for vulnerable IoT devices and launch DDoS attacks, generating the observed high traffic even when the user is idle.

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 practitioner preparing for the 220-1202 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

Got this wrong? Here's your next step.

Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.

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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this 220-1202 question test?

Malware Types and Removal — This question tests Malware Types and Removal — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: Botnet — The file name 'expl0rer.exe' mimics the legitimate 'explorer.exe' but uses a zero in place of the 'o', a common obfuscation technique. The symptom of high outbound network traffic without user activity, combined with the file's presence in the startup folder, strongly indicates the computer is part of a botnet. Botnet malware connects to a command-and-control (C2) server to receive instructions, often used for DDoS attacks or spam relays, which generates constant network activity.

What should I do if I get this 220-1202 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: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.

What is the key concept behind this question?

Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.

About these practice questions

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Same concept, more angles

1 more ways this is tested on 220-1202

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. A technician is investigating a computer that has been sending spam emails from the user's account without their knowledge. The user has not installed any new software recently. The technician finds a process running that matches a known botnet client. Which two steps should the technician take first to mitigate the threat?

hard

✓ A.Disconnect the computer from the network and terminate the malicious process.
B.Run a full antivirus scan and then update the firewall rules.
C.Change the user's email password and run a malware scan.
D.Reboot the computer into Safe Mode and then run a scan.

Why A: The immediate priority is to disconnect the computer from the network to stop the botnet communication and prevent further spam. Then, the technician should identify and terminate the malicious process. Scanning without disconnecting may allow continued data exfiltration.

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