CompTIA Security+ Exam: Identifying Malware Symptoms

Identifying Malware Symptoms

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Question

A technician is investigating a potentially compromised device with the following symptoms: -> Browser slowness -> Frequent browser crashes -> Hourglass stuck -> New search toolbar -> Increased memory consumption Which of the following types of malware has infected the system?

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Explanations

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A. B. C. D.

D.

Based on the symptoms mentioned, the type of malware that has most likely infected the system is adware.

Adware is a type of malicious software that displays unwanted ads or redirects web pages to advertising sites. Adware can also slow down the computer and consume system resources. This matches the symptoms of the compromised device, such as browser slowness, crashes, increased memory consumption, and the appearance of a new search toolbar.

Man-in-the-browser is a type of malware that intercepts and alters web traffic between the user and the website they are trying to access. It is unlikely to be the cause of the symptoms listed, as it does not typically cause browser crashes or increased memory consumption.

A spoofer is a type of malware that disguises itself as a legitimate program to gain access to a system. This type of malware would not cause the symptoms listed, as it typically does not affect browser behavior or consume memory.

Spyware is a type of malware that monitors a user's activity on a computer or network and can collect sensitive information such as login credentials, credit card numbers, and other personal information. While it is possible that spyware could cause some of the symptoms listed, such as increased memory consumption and browser slowness, it is not as likely as adware given the presence of the new search toolbar and frequent crashes.

In summary, based on the symptoms listed, the most likely type of malware that has infected the system is adware.