CompTIA Security+ (SY0-501) — Question 458

After surfing the Internet, Joe, a user, woke up to find all his files were corrupted. His wallpaper was replaced by a message stating the files were encrypted and he needed to transfer money to a foreign country to recover them. Joe is a victim of:

Answer options

• A. a keylogger
• B. spyware
• C. ransomware
• D. a logic bomb

Correct answer: C

Explanation

The correct answer is C, ransomware, as it specifically involves encrypting a user's files and demanding payment for decryption. A keylogger (A) captures keystrokes, spyware (B) collects data without consent, and a logic bomb (D) executes malicious code under certain conditions, none of which match Joe's situation.