212-89 Malware Incidents Practice Question
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?
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
✓
Calculate the file hash
Calculating the file hash is the first step to verify the file's reputation against known databases like VirusTotal before performing intrusive analysis.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Re-image the computer
Why it's wrong here
Re-imaging is an eradication step, not part of initial investigation.
- ✗
Delete the file immediately
Why it's wrong here
Deleting the file removes forensic evidence.
- ✗
Execute the file in a debugger
Why it's wrong here
Executing a suspicious file is dangerous without proper isolation.
- ✓
Calculate the file hash
Why this is correct
Hashing allows for quick verification of known malicious signatures.
About these practice questions
Courseiva writes every 212-89 question from scratch — 206 in total, each with an explanation and a wrong-answer breakdown. None are copied from real exams or 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 EC-Council exam blueprint
This 212-89 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 212-89 exam.