What tool did Steve, the professional hacker, use to maintain persistence and hide malicious traces?

The choice of wbStego as the tool used by Steve to maintain persistence and hide malicious traces is valid given its specific function in the realm of digital forensics and cybersecurity. wbStego is a steganography tool that allows users to hide data within image files, which can be particularly useful for a hacker aiming to obfuscate malicious payloads or communications. By embedding malicious content within seemingly innocuous files, a hacker can avoid detection by security systems that may not scan the content of images or other types of files for hidden data.

This ability to conceal data is critical for maintaining persistence on a system, as it allows the hacker to implant backdoors or other malicious features while minimizing the chance of being discovered by users or security measures. Consequently, wbStego serves as a powerful tool for maintaining covert operations on compromised systems, aiding in the continued access that a hacker may desire.

In contrast, the other options, such as generic steganography software are broader and less specific, while options like a file encryption tool primarily focus on securing data rather than hiding it. Additionally, a virtual private network (VPN) is used to create a secure connection over a less secure network, but it does not inherently hide malicious traces or maintain persistence in the same