Identifying the Malware Causing External IPs Communication

A.

Based on the information provided, the type of malware that is most likely causing the issue of external IPs communicating with internal computers during off hours is a botnet.

A botnet is a network of compromised computers that are controlled by an attacker, also known as a botmaster. The botnet is typically used to carry out malicious activities, such as sending spam emails, launching DDoS attacks, or stealing sensitive information.

In this case, the communication between the external IPs and internal computers during off hours suggests that the compromised computers are being used to carry out some form of unauthorized activity. Given that the activity is occurring during off hours, it is likely that the botmaster is attempting to avoid detection by carrying out their activities when there are fewer people around to monitor network traffic.

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim's files and demands payment in exchange for the decryption key. While ransomware can cause significant damage to a network, it does not typically involve external communication with other computers.

Polymorphic malware is a type of malware that can change its code to avoid detection by anti-malware software. While polymorphic malware can be difficult to detect and remove, it does not typically involve external communication with other computers.

An armored virus is a type of virus that is designed to make detection and removal more difficult by using various techniques to evade anti-malware software. However, like polymorphic malware, it does not typically involve external communication with other computers.

In summary, based on the information provided, a botnet is the most likely type of malware causing the issue of external IPs communicating with internal computers during off hours.