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Quizzes > Computers & IT

Which Is Not Malware? Identify the Safe Option

20 quick questions to spot what is not a type of malware. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Harsh HarshUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
Grade: Grade 10
Study OutcomesCheat Sheet
Colorful paper art promoting a trivia quiz on distinguishing malware from benign programs.

This quiz helps you figure out which is not malware and recognize real threats like viruses, worms, and spyware. Answer 20 short questions and get instant feedback on safe vs. risky terms. For more practice, try not an example of malware, build core skills with the cybersecurity basics quiz, or widen your scope with a cybersecurity knowledge quiz.

Which of the following is NOT malware?
Trojan Horse
Virus
Calculator Application
Worm
A Calculator Application is a benign program designed for arithmetic purposes and is not harmful. In contrast, Trojan Horse, Virus, and Worm are all forms of malicious software.
Which of the following software types is most likely legitimate and not considered malware?
Ransomware
Keylogger
Antivirus Program
Spyware
Antivirus Programs are designed to protect systems by detecting and removing malicious software, making them legitimate. The other options are forms of malware or potentially harmful software.
Which behavior is least likely to be exhibited by malware?
Performing standard system updates
Displaying unexpected advertisements
Replicating itself across systems
Encrypting files without permission
Performing standard system updates is a normal function of an operating system and not a behavior of malware. Malware typically exhibits self-replication, unwarranted advertisements, or unauthorized encryption.
Which component is typically targeted for exploitation by malware?
The operating system's security vulnerabilities
The calculator application
The hardware driver updates
The user interface design
Malware frequently exploits security vulnerabilities in the operating system to gain unauthorized access, while benign components like a calculator application are not targets. Exploiting OS vulnerabilities is a common tactic used by malicious software.
Which of the following best distinguishes a benign program from malware?
A benign program does not perform unauthorized actions on a user's system
A benign program replicates without user consent
A benign program collects sensitive data covertly
A benign program encrypts files for ransom
Benign programs operate transparently and perform expected functions without unauthorized interference. In contrast, malware performs actions such as self-replication, encryption, or data theft, which are outside normal program behavior.
Which of the following behaviors is characteristic of ransomware?
Self-replicating across networks
Encrypting files and demanding a ransom
Displaying unwanted advertisements
Monitoring keystrokes to gather data
Ransomware is known for encrypting victims' files and demanding payment for decryption. The other behaviors listed are characteristic of other types of malware.
Which of the following file characteristics is least indicative of malware?
Irregular file permissions
Digitally signed by a trusted publisher
Obfuscated code
Lack of a digital signature
A valid digital signature from a trusted publisher is usually a sign that the software is legitimate. Malware typically lacks proper digital signatures, uses obfuscation, or exhibits unusual file permissions.
What method is commonly used by malware to avoid detection by antivirus software?
Performing routine file backups
Displaying visible error messages
Code signing with a valid certificate
Using polymorphic code
Polymorphic techniques allow malware to change its code structure, making it difficult for signature-based antivirus programs to detect it. The other options are not common methods of evasion.
Which of the following practices is most important for preventing malware infections?
Disabling antivirus software
Regularly updating software
Using pirated software
Clicking on pop-up ads
Regular software updates patch vulnerabilities that malware can exploit, thereby preventing many common infections. The other practices increase exposure to malware risks.
Which of the following best distinguishes a worm from a virus?
Hides within another legitimate program
Requires a host file to replicate
Self-replicates independently using network connections
Primarily encrypts files for ransom
Worms are capable of self-replication without needing a host file, often spreading over networks independently. Viruses, on the other hand, require a host program in order to propagate.
Which of the following best describes spyware?
Software that deletes files randomly
Software that encrypts user files
Software that primarily collects user data without consent
Software that provides system updates
Spyware is designed to surreptitiously collect sensitive information from users without their awareness. Its behavior is distinct from malware that deletes or encrypts files.
Which of the following activities is most indicative of adware rather than a benign application?
Running cleaning processes
Displaying frequent pop-up advertisements
Performing drive speed tests
Allowing user-customized themes
Adware typically bombards users with unwanted advertisements, which sets it apart from legitimate applications that offer maintenance or customization features. This behavior is a key indicator of adware.
Which of the following network behaviors might suggest a computer is infected with malware?
Unexpectedly sending large amounts of data to unknown external servers
Connecting to a secured Wi-Fi network
Downloading files from official websites
Receiving regular email notifications
Unexpected data transmission to unfamiliar servers can indicate that malware is communicating with a command-and-control center. Normal network activities, such as downloading from trusted sites, do not typically raise such concerns.
Which of the following indicators may suggest that a software file has been tampered with by malware?
Secure digital signature
Unexpected file size and altered timestamps
Exact match with a known benign file checksum
Standard installation directory
An unexpected file size combined with altered timestamps can be a red flag for tampering. Legitimate software typically maintains consistent file properties such as checksum and digital signature.
Which of the following best describes a 'rootkit'?
An application used for routine system updates
A type of malware designed to hide its presence and allow continued privileged access
A benign program providing hardware drivers
Software that optimizes battery usage
Rootkits are malicious tools created to conceal their existence while granting attackers persistent, privileged access to a system. This behavior distinguishes them from legitimate software utilities.
After installing new software, a system exhibits slow performance, unexpected ads, and changes to system settings without consent. Which of the following is the most likely cause?
A user-installed productivity application
A Trojan masquerading as a system optimizer
A hardware malfunction
A regular system update
A Trojan that disguises itself as a useful tool is a common method for infecting systems, often resulting in degraded performance, unsolicited advertisements, and unauthorized system changes. Legitimate updates or productivity apps would not cause these symptoms.
An organization notices that several computers are communicating with a suspicious external server and exhibiting unusual network traffic. Which type of malware is most likely responsible?
Ransomware
Adware
Worm
Spyware
Worms are designed to propagate across networks independently, often generating abnormal network traffic as they spread. The behavior described is most indicative of a worm infection rather than other types of malware.
A file is discovered utilizing encryption and obfuscation methods while mimicking a trusted vendor's digital signature. Which technique is most likely being employed?
Polymorphic code
Steganography
Defragmentation
Sandboxing
Polymorphic code enables malware to continuously change its structure, helping it evade signature-based detection even when mimicking trusted elements. The other techniques serve different purposes and are not typically used for evasion.
A user receives an email containing an attachment labeled as an invoice from a known company, but the file has a .exe extension. What is the best course of action?
Open the attachment to inspect its contents
Recognize it as a potential Trojan and avoid opening the attachment
Install the attachment to update the invoice software
Forward the email to colleagues for validation
Executable attachments, especially when unexpected in an email claiming to be an invoice, are common vectors for Trojan malware. The safest action is to avoid opening such files rather than risk executing malicious code.
Which advanced security practice provides the most effective protection against zero-day malware attacks?
Implementing a robust intrusion detection system (IDS)
Using outdated operating system versions
Relying solely on signature-based antivirus software
Disabling system firewalls
A robust intrusion detection system monitors network activity for unusual patterns and can detect unknown threats, making it effective against zero-day attacks. In contrast, relying solely on signature-based detection or outdated systems leaves critical vulnerabilities unaddressed.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand the key differences between malicious software and benign programs.
  2. Identify common types of malware and their characteristics.
  3. Analyze behavioral indicators to determine if a program is malicious.
  4. Apply critical thinking skills to assess cybersecurity threats.
  5. Evaluate real-world scenarios to differentiate between malware and non-malicious software.

Quiz: Which of the Following is Not Malware? Cheat Sheet

  1. Know Your Malware Types - Malware isn't one-size-fits-all: viruses hop between files, worms self-replicate across networks, Trojans masquerade as harmless programs, and ransomware locks up your precious data for ransom. Spyware snoops on your activity while adware bombards you with unwanted ads.
  2. Spot the Good Guys - Not every piece of software is out to get you. Operating system utilities and trusted applications quietly handle tasks ranging from printing documents to managing files without causing headaches. Recognizing legitimate programs helps you avoid mislabeling harmless tools as threats.
  3. Detect Infection Red Flags - Sudden slowdowns, mysterious crashes, and unfamiliar pop‑ups are classic malware warning signs. Your computer turning into a sluggish mess or launching programs you never installed? Time to investigate. Early detection can save you from bigger headaches down the road.
  4. Understand How Malware Spreads - One click on a dodgy email attachment or a shady website link can unleash malware into your system. Phishing scams bait you with "urgent" messages, while unpatched software vulnerabilities offer easy entry points. Knowing these tactics keeps you one step ahead of cyber‑nasties.
  5. Beware of Social Engineering - Hackers love to play mind games, tricking you into revealing passwords or downloading harmful files. A friendly-sounding request from "IT support" might actually be a cleverly disguised attack. Always verify the source before you act!
  6. Keep Everything Updated - Software and OS updates aren't just about cool new features - they plug security holes that malware exploits. Enabling automatic updates ensures you're shielded from known vulnerabilities without lifting a finger. It's like giving your system a fresh suit of armor on the regular.
  7. Arm Yourself with Antivirus - Good antivirus and anti‑malware tools patrol your system in real time, flagging and quarantining threats before they can wreak havoc. Keep definitions current to catch the latest nasties and run regular scans for hidden invaders. Think of it as your digital bodyguard.
  8. Create Strong, Unique Passwords - Password123 just won't cut it - complex, unique passwords are your first line of defense. Use passphrases, mix in numbers and symbols, and avoid reusing credentials across accounts. A password manager can do the heavy lifting so you don't have to memorize a million combos.
  9. Download Only from Trusted Sources - That free music downloader from a sketchy site? Probably a malware party waiting to happen. Always verify publishers, check digital signatures, and stick to official app stores or vendor websites. It's the safest way to avoid unwanted surprises.
  10. Apply the Principle of Least Privilege - Don't give every user or app full administrative powers - limit access to only what's necessary. That way, if malware sneaks in, its ability to wreak havoc is severely restricted. Less privilege means less potential damage, keeping your system tighter and safer.
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