Joe, a user, notifies Ann, a technician, of a message that is displaying on his screen.
The message has taken over the entire screen, and no icons are displayed.
Joe, further explains that the message still appears after several reboot attempts.
Upon further inspection of the affected PC, Ann notices a request for cryptocurrency payment to obtain the unlock key.
Which of the following is MOST likely the cause?
Click on the arrows to vote for the correct answer
A. B. C. D.A.
Based on the information provided, the most likely cause of the message on Joe's screen is ransomware, answer A.
Ransomware is a type of malware that restricts access to a user's system or data and demands payment, usually in the form of cryptocurrency, in exchange for restoring access. This matches the description of the message on Joe's screen, which is requesting payment in exchange for an unlock key.
Cryptomining, answer B, is a type of malware that uses a user's computer resources to mine cryptocurrency. While this could potentially cause performance issues, it is not consistent with the message on Joe's screen requesting payment.
A rootkit, answer C, is a type of malware that allows an attacker to maintain unauthorized access to a system by hiding its presence and activity. While rootkits can cause a variety of issues, such as slowing down a system or stealing sensitive information, they are not typically associated with messages requesting payment.
A keylogger, answer D, is a type of malware that records keystrokes made on a computer and sends them to an attacker. While a keylogger can be used as part of a ransomware attack to steal login credentials or other sensitive information, it is not consistent with the message on Joe's screen requesting payment.
Therefore, based on the information provided, the most likely cause of the message on Joe's screen is ransomware.