CompTIA Tech+ (FC0-U71)Applications and SoftwareMedium
A user's Windows 10 computer is displaying frequent pop-up advertisements, even when no browser is open. The user also reports that their system startup is unusually slow. After reviewing running processes, the technician suspects a malicious program. Which type of malware is MOST likely causing these symptoms?
- AAdware
- BRootkit
- CRansomware
- DTrojan
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Adware
Adware is specifically designed to display unwanted advertisements (pop-ups, banners) and often installs itself to run at startup, consuming system resources and slowing down performance, even when a browser is not actively in use. This matches the described symptoms perfectly.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Rootkits hide their presence and often grant unauthorized access, but their primary symptom isn't pop-up ads.
- C. Ransomware encrypts files and demands payment, which is a very different symptom.
- D. Trojans disguise themselves as legitimate software and can have various malicious payloads, but 'frequent pop-up ads' and 'slow startup' are hallmark symptoms of adware.
Adware
Software that automatically displays unwanted advertisements, often in the form of pop-ups or banners, and can also collect user data for marketing purposes.
- Displays unsolicited advertisements.
- Can slow down system performance.
- Often bundled with free software or installed without explicit consent.
Memory trick: Adware: Always Displaying Ads.