A home user reports slow computer performance and application crashes after clicking a "repair" button on a pop-up warning while browsing the Internet. Which of the following are the FIRST steps a…

Question

Options

• APerform a system file check and replace any changed files with their original versions
• BEnable the pop-up blocker on the Internet browser
• CUninstall any recently installed unknown programs and browser extensions,
• DPerform a hard shutdown and cold boot the computer
• EScan the RAM and hard drive using an up-to-date antivirus program

• A
  11% (4)
• B
  6% (2)
• C
  78% (28)
• D
  6% (2)

Explanation

Clicking a fake 'repair' pop-up is a classic social engineering tactic that installs malware. The two immediate priorities are: (C) removing any suspicious programs or browser extensions installed by the malicious pop-up, which eliminates the threat vector; and (E) running an up-to-date antivirus scan to detect and remove any malware that may have been installed. Together these steps identify and remediate the infection. A system file check (A) is a secondary step after removing malware. Enabling a pop-up blocker (B) is preventive, not remediation. A hard shutdown (D) does not address the malware itself.

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