CompTIA Security+ (SY0-501) — Question 590

Ann, a user, reported to the service desk that many files on her computer will not open or the contents are not readable. The service desk technician asked Ann if she encountered any strange messages on boot-up or login, and Ann indicated she did not. Which of the following has MOST likely occurred on Ann's computer?

Answer options

• A. The hard drive is falling, and the files are being corrupted.
• B. The computer has been infected with crypto-malware.
• C. A replay attack has occurred.
• D. A keylogger has been installed.

Correct answer: B

Explanation

The correct answer is B because crypto-malware typically encrypts files, rendering them unreadable, and does not usually display warning messages during boot or login. Option A suggests a hardware failure, which would likely manifest with error messages. Options C and D refer to different types of attacks that do not typically result in unreadable files.