100-160 Question 161
Select 3A user reports that their computer is running slower than usual, and pop-ups are appearing frequently, even when no web browser is open. Upon investigation, you find suspicious processes running in the task manager. What are the most appropriate steps to remove the malware from the system?
- A
Disconnect the computer from the network to prevent further spread.
- B
Run a full antivirus scan and quarantine or remove detected threats.
- C
Reinstall the operating system without attempting any other troubleshooting steps.
- D
Manually terminate suspicious processes and delete associated files without further tools.
- E
Update the operating system and software after removing the malware.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answers: A, B, E
Explanation
Effective malware removal involves isolating the computer to prevent the spread, using antivirus tools for detection and removal, and ensuring that the system is updated to avoid reinfection. Reinstalling the operating system should only be considered if malware removal attempts fail, and manually deleting files without proper tools is not recommended as it may cause further issues.
- A. Correct.
Disconnecting the computer from the network is a crucial step to prevent the malware from spreading to other devices or systems.
- B. Correct.
Running a full antivirus scan helps identify and remove the malware effectively using specialized tools.
- C. Incorrect.
Reinstalling the operating system should be a last resort if all other removal attempts fail, not the first step.
- D. Incorrect.
Manually terminating processes and deleting files without proper tools can be risky and might leave remnants of the malware or cause system instability.
- E. Correct.
Updating the operating system and software ensures that the vulnerabilities exploited by the malware are patched, preventing reinfection.