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(ISC)2

SSCP · Question #1200

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Computer Virus Hoax?

The correct answer is D. Usually has a hidden function that executes unknown to the user. A computer virus hoax is a deceptive message designed to trick users into spreading false warnings, not actual malicious code with hidden functions.

Submitted by ravi_2018· Apr 18, 2026Security Concepts and Practices

Question

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Computer Virus Hoax?

Options

  • AAsks that you send it to everyone to warn them
  • BMakes reference to a false authority
  • CContains technical sounding nonsense
  • DUsually has a hidden function that executes unknown to the user

How the community answered

(36 responses)
  • A
    6% (2)
  • C
    3% (1)
  • D
    92% (33)

Why each option

A computer virus hoax is a deceptive message designed to trick users into spreading false warnings, not actual malicious code with hidden functions.

AAsks that you send it to everyone to warn them

Asking recipients to forward the warning to everyone they know is a primary mechanism by which hoaxes spread, making it a characteristic.

BMakes reference to a false authority

Hoaxes frequently cite fake or misrepresented authorities (e.g., "Microsoft has issued a warning") to lend credibility to their false claims.

CContains technical sounding nonsense

To appear legitimate and technical, hoaxes often include complex or jargon-filled language that, upon closer inspection, is nonsensical, which is a characteristic.

DUsually has a hidden function that executes unknown to the userCorrect

A computer virus hoax is a social engineering attack that spreads false information and prompts users to take unnecessary or harmful actions, but it does not contain or execute actual malicious code or hidden functions itself. Hidden functions that execute unknown to the user are characteristic of actual malware, such as a virus or Trojan.

Concept tested: Computer virus hoax characteristics

Topics

#Computer Hoax#Malware#Threat Types#Social Engineering

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