CompTIA Security+ (SY0-501) — Question 349

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?

Answer options

• A. Man-in-the-browser
• B. Spoofer
• C. Spyware
• D. Adware

Correct answer: D

Explanation

The symptoms described, particularly the presence of a new search toolbar and increased memory usage, are indicative of adware, which often leads to unwanted advertisements and changes to browser settings. While spyware can also cause performance issues, it typically focuses on data collection rather than displaying ads. The other options, Man-in-the-browser and Spoofer, do not match the symptoms presented.