ITPEC IP October 2025 Question 35

Malware infection can affect firmware as well as operating systems and applications — executable code exists at several layers of a device, so infection is not limited to ordinary software files.

Firmware malware is particularly serious because it may run before the OS and can survive measures aimed only at the operating system. Infection routes also include networks, removable media, compromised websites, and other malicious content.

Answer (a)

Why not others:
- (b) external storage can itself carry infected files or autorun malware
- (c) an infected computer should first be isolated from the network to limit spread and leakage
- (d) avoiding attachments blocks only one route; websites, downloads, and vulnerable services remain possible routes

Key rule: Malware can enter through multiple paths and compromise multiple software layers.

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