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CISA Practice Question: Experiences a ransomware attack that encrypts…
An organization experiences a ransomware attack that encrypts critical files. Which of the following is the BEST recovery strategy to minimize data loss?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers choose Option D (system restore points) because they seem convenient and built-in, but they fail to realize that ransomware specifically targets and deletes these snapshots, making them unreliable for recovery.
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
✓
Restore from offline backups taken before the attack
Restoring from offline backups taken before the attack ensures that the recovered data is clean and free from encryption, as the ransomware cannot modify backups that are not connected to the network. This strategy minimizes data loss by reverting to the most recent known-good state without relying on potentially compromised or incomplete system restore points.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Disconnect the network and rebuild systems from scratch
Why it's wrong here
Rebuilding from scratch is time-consuming and may not recover all data if backups are not used.
- ✗
Pay the ransom to decrypt files
Why it's wrong here
Paying the ransom does not guarantee decryption and encourages further attacks.
- ✓
Restore from offline backups taken before the attack
Why this is correct
Offline backups (e.g., tape or immutable cloud) are not accessible to ransomware, enabling clean recovery.
- ✗
Use system restore points on the same network
Why it's wrong here
System restore points on the same network may have been encrypted or compromised by the ransomware.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CISA practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISACA 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 CISA exam.