The scenario indicates multiple users are experiencing identical issues, which points to a problem with a centralized network resource rather than individual workstations. The server, SRV1, is the only central device serving all users. The reported symptoms, stemming from unauthorized software, are characteristic of a malware infection.

According to incident response best practices, the first step is to contain the threat by quarantining the infected system (SRV1) to prevent the malware from spreading. The second step is remediation. Malware often disrupts normal operations by disabling essential system services. To resolve the specific "audio issues," the "Windows Audio" service, which the malware likely disabled, must be re-enabled and set to start automatically.

1. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-83 Rev. 1

Guide to Malware Incident Prevention and Handling for Desktops and Laptops.

Section 3.4.2

Containment: This section outlines the importance of isolating the affected system to prevent further damage. It states

"An essential part of containment is disconnecting the affected host(s) from the network... This can be accomplished by disconnecting the network cable from the host or by disabling the host’s network adapter." This supports the action of quarantining SRV1.

Section 3.4.3

Eradication and Recovery: This section details the process of removing the malware and restoring the system to a normal

trusted state. This includes "reinstalling applications" and "restoring system settings from a clean backup

" which conceptually covers re-enabling a disabled

legitimate service.

2. Microsoft Corporation

Windows Audio Service.

Official Documentation: The Windows Audio service (Audiosrv) is officially described as managing all audio functions for Windows programs. The documentation states

"If this service is stopped

audio devices and effects will not function properly. If this service is disabled

any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start." This directly links the functionality of the service to the reported audio problem.

3. Al-Bataineh

A.

& White

G. (2016). Disabling Windows Services as a Malware Persistence and Evasion Technique. In Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Malicious and Unwanted Software (MALWARE). IEEE.

DOI: 10.1109/MALWARE.2016.7876931

Abstract & Section III.A: This peer-reviewed paper analyzes how malware manipulates Windows services to achieve its objectives. It explicitly discusses how malware disables legitimate services

such as security or system services

to cause disruption

evade detection

or ensure its own persistence. This academic source validates the premise that malware is a likely cause for the "Windows Audio" service being disabled.