CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601) — Question 243

A cryptomining company recently deployed a new antivirus application to all of its mining systems. The installation of the antivirus application was tested on many personal devices, and no issues were observed. Once the antivirus application was rolled out to the servers, constant issues were reported. As a result, the company decided to remove the mining software. The antivirus application was MOST likely classifying the software as:

Answer options

• A. a rootkit.
• B. a PUP.
• C. a backdoor.
• D. ransomware.
• E. a RAT.

Correct answer: B

Explanation

The correct answer is B, as potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) often include software that is not malicious but can be unwanted by users, like mining software. The other options, such as rootkits, backdoors, ransomware, and RATs, imply malicious intent or severe security threats that are different from the classification of the mining software.