Joe, a user, believes his computer is infected with malware.
The device is having difficulty accessing some websites, and web services are not responding from any of the web browsers, although Joe can access these services from his smartphone without issue.
The computer's malware scanner has the latest definitions installed.
Which of the following would BEST explain why the computer is functioning this way?
Click on the arrows to vote for the correct answer
A. B. C. D.A.
Based on the information provided, it is unlikely that an expired root certificate, OS update failures, or a pop-up blocker are causing the issue.
An expired root certificate can cause issues with secure connections, such as HTTPS websites, but it would not cause difficulty accessing non-secure websites or prevent web services from responding.
OS update failures might cause issues with system functionality, but they would not necessarily affect internet access or web services.
A pop-up blocker would prevent pop-up windows from appearing, but it would not prevent web services from responding or affect access to websites.
On the other hand, a malware infection could cause the symptoms described. Malware can interfere with internet connectivity, redirect users to malicious sites, or block access to legitimate sites. Additionally, malware can disable or circumvent antivirus software, making it difficult to detect and remove.
Therefore, based on the information provided, the BEST explanation for Joe's computer functioning this way is that it is infected with malware. It is recommended to perform a thorough malware scan using a reputable antivirus software or seek assistance from a qualified technician to ensure the device is properly cleaned and secured.