CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1102) — Question 124

A user receives a notification indicating the antivirus protection on a company laptop is out of date. A technician is able to ping the user's laptop. The technician checks the antivirus parent servers and sees the latest signatures have been installed. The technician then checks the user's laptop and finds the antivirus engine and definitions are current. Which of the following has MOST likely occurred?

Answer options

• A. Ransomware
• B. Failed OS updates
• C. Adware
• D. Missing system files

Correct answer: C

Explanation

The most likely occurrence is that adware has been installed on the laptop, which can often evade standard antivirus protection while the core antivirus components remain current. Ransomware typically encrypts files and demands payment, which is not indicated here. Failed OS updates may cause other issues but would not directly relate to the antivirus notification. Missing system files could lead to system instability, but again, they would not specifically trigger an antivirus alert.