A user's PC became infected with a virus after the user attempted to open what appeared to be an MP3 file. Which of the following folder options MOST likely led to this issue?

The correct answer is C. Hide extensions for known file types. When 'Hide extensions for known file types' is enabled (the Windows default), file extensions are not displayed in File Explorer. An attacker can name a malicious executable 'song.mp3.exe' - with extensions hidden, this appears to the user simply as 'song.mp3' with a music…

Hardware and network troubleshooting

Question

Options

AAlways show icons, never thumbnails
BAlways show menus
CHide extensions for known file types
Dhow hidden files

How the community answered

(32 responses)

A
3% (1)
B
6% (2)
C
81% (26)
D
9% (3)

Explanation

When 'Hide extensions for known file types' is enabled (the Windows default), file extensions are not displayed in File Explorer. An attacker can name a malicious executable 'song.mp3.exe' - with extensions hidden, this appears to the user simply as 'song.mp3' with a music icon, making it indistinguishable from a legitimate audio file. When the user double-clicks it expecting music, the executable runs and installs the virus. Disabling this setting so all extensions are always visible would have revealed the true '.exe' extension. 'Always show icons, never thumbnails' (A) affects how file previews are displayed but not extension visibility. 'Always show menus' (B) affects the menu bar display in Explorer. 'Show hidden files' (D) reveals hidden system files but does not relate to extension display.

Topics

#hide file extensions#malware#file type spoofing#folder options

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