CompTIA CASP+ Practice Test

What is a potential outcome of the virus spread if not properly managed according to security logs?

1. Increased productivity among employees.

2. Permanent data loss.

3. Infrastructure costs will increase.

4. Heightened cybersecurity awareness.

The correct answer is: Permanent data loss.

The potential outcome of a virus spread, if not properly managed according to security logs, is permanent data loss. When a virus infiltrates a network or system, it can corrupt, delete, or otherwise damage data. If the virus goes undetected or is not addressed in a timely manner, the integrity of the data can be compromised beyond recovery. Systems affected by ransomware, for example, can lead to situations where data cannot be decrypted, resulting in irreversible loss if backups are not available or if those backups are also compromised. While the other outcomes listed may be relevant in some contexts, they do not directly address the immediate and severe consequences that can arise from an uncontrolled virus spread. Increased productivity is unlikely in the face of a virus incident, which typically leads to downtime and disruptions. Infrastructure costs may increase due to the need for enhanced security measures or repair, but this is a secondary concern compared to the critical nature of data preservation. Heightened cybersecurity awareness is a possible long-term effect, but it does not reflect the immediate risks posed by a virus outbreak. Thus, permanent data loss stands out as the most direct and critical potential outcome in this scenario.