CompTIA CySA+ Practice Test

What could continuous call home messages imply about a workstation in a corporate environment?

1. The system is functioning optimally

2. A routine data synchronization process is occurring

3. Presence of malware communicating with external servers

4. Legitimate software updates in progress

The correct answer is: Presence of malware communicating with external servers

Continuous call home messages from a workstation can suggest that there may be malware present that is communicating with external servers. This behavior often indicates that the workstation is compromised and that malicious software is attempting to connect with a command and control server to receive instructions, exfiltrate data, or carry out other nefarious activities. In a corporate environment, such continuous communication, particularly if it is unsolicited or occurring outside of scheduled tasks, raises red flags for security teams. It deviates from normal operational behavior, which typically includes defined and controlled interactions with external resources. While regular system operations might involve legitimate updates or data synchronization, these would generally be more periodic and well-defined—a clear indicator that the system is functioning within operational protocols. Thus, it's essential for IT security professionals to investigate any persistent outbound communications, especially if they have not been documented or are not tied to known software applications or procedures.