A user reports their computer has become very slow and the network activity light is blinking constantly. The user confirms they have not initiated any file downloads or system updates. Upon checking the Task Manager, the technician notices a significant and continuous amount of network traffic from an unknown process. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?
A sudden and unexplained increase in network traffic, especially when linked to an unknown process, is a classic symptom of a malware infection. This could indicate the malware is exfiltrating data, communicating with a command-and-control server, or participating in a botnet. While OS updates and cloud backups can use network resources, the scenario specifies an unknown process is responsible, making malware the most probable cause. A failing NIC typically results in a loss of connectivity or errors, not sustained traffic generation.
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What types of malware could cause a sudden increase in network traffic?
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How can we monitor network traffic to detect unusual activity?
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What are some signs of a malware infection besides increased network traffic?