easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: That their computer is displaying a fake…
A user reports that their computer is displaying a fake antivirus warning that demands payment. This is an example of which type of attack?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates confuse scareware with ransomware because both demand payment, but scareware does not encrypt files or lock the system—it only displays a fake warning, which is a key distinction tested on the SSCP exam.
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
✓
Scareware
Scareware is a type of malware that uses social engineering to trick users into believing their system is infected, then demands payment for a fake removal tool. The fake antivirus warning is a classic scareware tactic, as it creates urgency and fear to coerce payment, unlike ransomware which encrypts files and demands a ransom for decryption.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Social engineering
Why it's wrong here
Scareware is a form of social engineering, but the question asks for the type of attack.
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Ransomware
Why it's wrong here
Ransomware typically encrypts files and demands payment for decryption, not just fake warnings.
- ✗
Phishing
Why it's wrong here
Phishing is often via email, not a pop-up on the computer.
- ✓
Scareware
Why this is correct
Scareware presents fake security warnings to coerce payment.
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One of 920 original SSCP practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This SSCP practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 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 SSCP exam.