CodeHS Cybersecurity Level 1 Certification Practice Test

A sudden decrease in system performance is a common sign of a malware infection because malware often consumes system resources and can lead to the device running slower than normal. When malware is present, it may be using CPU cycles, memory, or disk space, which are typically needed for legitimate applications to function efficiently. As a result, users may notice that applications lag, respond slowly, or even crash frequently.

In contrast, an increase in battery life, enhanced internet speed, and improved software functionality do not indicate a malware infection. In fact, these scenarios are usually associated with a well-functioning system, whereas malware typically disrupts normal operations.