Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Cybersecurity Practice Test 2026 – The Complete All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

C is the correct choice because ransomware is specifically designed to harm users by encrypting their files and demanding a ransom for decryption. It is a type of malicious software (malware) that can severely disrupt individuals and organizations by making their data inaccessible until payment is made, which showcases the harmful intent and functionality characteristic of malware.

In contrast, antivirus software is designed to detect and remove malware, making it a protective solution rather than a harmful one. File encryption software is intended to secure data by making it unreadable to unauthorized users, serving a security purpose, not a malicious one. Similarly, system optimization tools are meant to improve system performance and enhance user experience, without any malicious intent or harm to the system. Therefore, among the choices listed, ransomware is the clear example of malware.