Quick Answer
The answer is virus, worm, and trojan. These three are the classic, fundamental types of malware because each represents a distinct method of infection and propagation: a virus attaches itself to legitimate files and requires user action to spread, a worm self-replicates across networks without any host file, and a trojan disguises itself as benign software to trick users into installing it. On the Systems Security Certified Practitioner SSCP exam, this question tests your foundational knowledge of threat categories, often appearing in the domain covering malicious code and activity. A common trap is confusing a patch or a firewall with malware—remember that patches are security updates, and firewalls are defensive controls, not malicious software. To lock in the three core types, use the mnemonic “VWT” (Virus, Worm, Trojan) and think of them as the unholy trinity of classic malware.
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of systems and application security. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Which THREE of the following are common types of malware?
Trojan horse
A trojan disguises itself as legitimate software.
Virus
A virus replicates by attaching to other programs.
Worm
A worm self-replicates and spreads across networks.
Firewall
Why wrong: A firewall is a security control, not a type of malware.
Patch
Why wrong: A patch is a software update to fix vulnerabilities, not a malware.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Trojan horse
Options A, C, and E are correct. Virus, worm, and trojan are classic malware types. Option B (patch) is a security update, not malware. Option D (firewall) is a security device or software.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Trojan horse
Why this is correct
A trojan disguises itself as legitimate software.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Virus
Why this is correct
A virus replicates by attaching to other programs.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Worm
Why this is correct
A worm self-replicates and spreads across networks.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Firewall
Why it's wrong here
A firewall is a security control, not a type of malware.
Patch
Why it's wrong here
A patch is a software update to fix vulnerabilities, not a malware.
Common exam traps
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
A security team runs a vulnerability scan on a web application and discovers an unpatched SQL injection flaw. The team prioritises remediation by CVSS score — critical flaws are patched within 24 hours, high within 7 days. Questions like this test whether you understand vulnerability management processes, scanning tools, and remediation prioritisation.
What to study next
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related SSCP NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Systems and Application Security — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Systems and Application Security practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All SSCP questions
504 questions across all exam domains
Systems Security Certified Practitioner SSCP study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
SSCP practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise SSCP questions linked to Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis.
Practise SSCP questions linked to Network and Communications Security.
Practise SSCP questions linked to Systems and Application Security.
Practise SSCP questions linked to Security Operations and Administration.
Practise SSCP questions linked to Incident Response and Recovery.
Practise SSCP questions linked to Access Controls.
Practise SSCP questions linked to Cryptography.
Practise SSCP questions linked to SSCP fundamentals.
Practise SSCP questions linked to SSCP scenario.
Practise SSCP questions linked to SSCP troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Systems and Application Security — This question tests Systems and Application Security — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: Trojan horse — Options A, C, and E are correct. Virus, worm, and trojan are classic malware types. Option B (patch) is a security update, not malware. Option D (firewall) is a security device or software.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related SSCP NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.