Which of the following is a typical malware symptom?

• A. Unusual graphics and messages.
• B. System performance improves.
• C. Memory usage decreases unexpectedly.
• D. The keyboard stops responding entirely.

Answer: (A)

Malware often reveals itself through visible prompts that try to deceive you into taking action. Unusual graphics and messages—such as fake system alerts, warnings, or ransom notes—are a telltale sign because attackers rely on grabbing your attention and prompting clicks or sign-ins. These prompts may appear as banners, popups, or fake security alerts and are designed to look legitimate, pushing you to download more software, reveal credentials, or pay money.

Other potential signs listed aren’t typical indicators of malware. A system that suddenly runs faster isn’t a normal symptom of infection; malware generally slows things down or uses resources in the background. Memory usage dropping unexpectedly isn’t a standard malware signal either, since malicious processes usually consume more memory. A keyboard that stops responding entirely can point to hardware or driver problems, or a system freeze, rather than a common malware behavior.