ITPEC IP October 2024 Question 10
When USB memory or other such external recordable media is connected to a PC, which of the following is an OS function that automatically executes programs or plays movies on the media and can also cause malware infection?
Explanation
Autorun — the OS function that launches a program or plays media automatically as soon as removable media is connected, which malware can exploit.
When a USB memory, CD or DVD is inserted, autorun reads a setting file on the media and starts the program or movie it names, without the user choosing to open anything. Malware on an infected USB memory can use this to run itself the moment the device is plugged in, so organisations disable autorun and scan removable media before use.
Answer (d)
Why not others:
- •(a) Autocorrect — fixes typing and spelling errors in text as it is entered
- •(b) Autocomplete — suggests the rest of a word, URL or form entry from earlier input
- •(c) Auto filter — a spreadsheet function that shows only the rows matching a condition
Key rule: Any function that executes content automatically on connection is an infection route; disabling autorun is a standard countermeasure against malware spread by USB memory.
Security · AI-written, may contain errors
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