CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601) — Question 8

After returning from a conference, a user's laptop has been operating slower than normal and overheating, and the fans have been running constantly. During the diagnosis process, an unknown piece of hardware is found connected to the laptop's motherboard. Which of the following attack vectors was exploited to install the hardware?

Answer options

• A. Removable media
• B. Spear phishing
• C. Supply chain
• D. Direct access

Correct answer: D

Explanation

The correct answer is D, Direct access, as the unknown hardware suggests someone physically accessed the laptop to install it. Options A and B involve remote or indirect methods, while C, Supply chain, refers to vulnerabilities exploited during the production or distribution of the device, not direct physical tampering.