After a user reports stow computer performance, a systems administrator detects a suspicious file, which was installed as part of a freeware software package. The systems administrator reviews the…

Question

Exhibit

Options

• ARAT
• BKeylogger
• CSpyware
• DWorm
• EBot

• A
  83% (20)
• B
  8% (2)
• D
  4% (1)
• E
  4% (1)

Explanation

RAT (Remote Access Trojan) - Option A

A RAT (Remote Access Trojan) is the correct answer because it is commonly bundled with freeware software as a Trojan horse, silently installing itself to give an attacker remote control over the victim's system - which aligns with the slow performance caused by unauthorized background processes. A Keylogger (B) specifically records keystrokes and wouldn't typically cause noticeable performance degradation on its own. Spyware (C) passively collects user data but is generally not installed with the same remote-control capabilities that a RAT provides. A Worm (D) self-replicates across networks without needing to be bundled with software, and a Bot (E) is typically deployed en masse as part of a botnet, rather than being disguised within a freeware package targeting an individual user.

Memory Tip: Think of a RAT like a rat hiding in a gift box - it sneaks in bundled with something that looks harmless (freeware), then quietly gnaws away at your system resources from the inside, giving the attacker a backdoor "remote" into your machine.

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