What type of data are considered persistent?

Persistent data refers to information that is retained even after the application or system that created it is closed or rebooted. This type of data is crucial for long-term storage and can include files stored on a hard drive, databases, or system images that can be quickly restored.

In this context, malware and system images fit the definition of persistent data. Malware, while harmful, is a type of software that can remain on a system or be stored on a disk, making it retrievable after the initial activation phase. System images are comprehensive backups of a computer's operating system, applications, and settings, allowing for restoration after a crash or data loss. Both types of data stay intact beyond transient states and can be accessed later, thus categorizing them as persistent data.

Other types of data mentioned, such as temporary cache files, running applications, and active network connections, do not qualify as persistent since they are generally transient in nature. Cache files are often deleted or cleared, running applications exist in memory and can be terminated, and active network connections are fleeting and terminate once the communication session ends. This contrast makes the choice of malware and system images the correct answer when identifying persistent data.