GIAC Foundational Cybersecurity Technologies Practice Test

If malicious software (malware) infects a computer, at which level does it require the most effort to detect and remove?

1. Kernel

2. System libraries

3. Application code

4. Local user file

The correct answer is: Kernel

When discussing the levels at which malware can infect a computer, the kernel is particularly significant because it operates at the core of the operating system. The kernel is the central component that manages system resources and hardware communication. Malware that affects the kernel can manipulate system functions and evade detection tools that typically monitor user-level applications and files. Detecting and removing kernel-level malware often requires specialized knowledge and tools because it can integrate deeply into the operating system. Traditional antivirus and anti-malware solutions may not have the capability to analyze and remove threats that are entrenched at this level, making the task of elimination much more complex. Furthermore, kernel-mode malware can hide its presence from normal processes, making it stealthier and more challenging to identify and eliminate. In contrast, other levels such as user files or application code tend to have more straightforward detection and removal methods, and system libraries, while important, do not present the same level of persistence or complexity as kernel-based threats.