CompTIA Security+ (SY0-501) — Question 1028

Ann, a user, states that her machine has been behaving erratically over the past week. She has experienced slowness and input lag and found text files that appear to contain pieces of her emails or online conversations with coworkers. The technician runs a standard virus scan but detects nothing.
Which of the following types of malware has infected the machine?

Answer options

• A. Ransomware
• B. Rootkit
• C. Backdoor
• D. Keylogger

Correct answer: D

Explanation

The correct answer is D, as a Keylogger captures keystrokes, which would explain the text files containing snippets of emails or conversations. Ransomware (A) typically encrypts files and demands payment, while a Rootkit (B) is designed to hide its presence and a Backdoor (C) allows unauthorized access, neither of which directly relate to the symptoms described.