The CEO reports that his computer will not allow anyone to log in without entering credit card payment information. Investigation reveals he downloaded a file shared by a friend on social media, after which the computer restarted and showed the payment demand. What type of attack best describes this scenario?
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BThe CEO executed a Rootkit which gave backdoor access to a hacker
CThe CEO was the target of a spear phishing social engineering attack
DA botnet is attacking the CEO's computer and disabling login attempts
✓ Correct answer: A. The CEO downloaded and executed RansomwareThe described behavior—blocking system access and demanding payment—is characteristic of ransomware. The malware holds the system hostage until a fee is paid. While targeted delivery via social media could suggest spear phishing, the information provided best supports a ransomware conclusion. A botnet or rootkit would not typically display a payment demand on the login screen.
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