Free Practice Questions for WGU Information-Technology-Management Exam

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Spyware is malicious software specifically designed to covertly collect information from a user’s device or network without authorization. It can monitor browsing habits, capture credentials, log keystrokes, or harvest system and application data, then send this information to an attacker.

Why C is correct: Spyware’s core purpose is unauthorized information collection, aligning exactly with the description in the question.

Why the others are incorrect:

A. Ransomware – Encrypts or locks data/systems and demands payment for restoration; its primary goal is extortion, not information collection.

B. Brute force attack – A method of systematically guessing passwords or keys; it is an attack technique, not software focused on secretly gathering data.

D. Man-in-the-middle – An attacker intercepts and possibly alters communication between two parties; while it can be used to capture information, it is a network attack position, not specifically malware installed on a system for ongoing data collection like spyware.

Understanding the Development Phase in SDLC:

The development phase involves translating system design specifications into actual software.

This includes coding the system using programming languages and integrating modules as per the design.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

Option B: Describes the maintenance phase, which focuses on updates and corrections post-deployment.

Option C: Relates to the testing phase, where interoperability and functionality are verified.

Option D: Refers to the implementation phase, where the system is deployed for user operations.

In the maintenance phase of the SDLC, the goal is to ensure the system continues to meet business needs by fixing defects, applying updates, and implementing enhancements. This phase ensures the system remains secure, reliable, and effective after deployment.

Option B: Gathering requirements occurs in the planning/analysis phase.

Option C: Unit testing is part of the testing phase, not maintenance.

Option D: Designing and deploying the architecture occurs in development and implementation phases.

Thus, the goal of the maintenance phase is to fix defects and update the software.