Which command-line tool might Malik initially use to investigate suspicious remote connections on his computer?

Malik would use the Netstat command-line tool to investigate suspicious remote connections on his computer because it provides detailed information about current network connections. This tool enables users to view both incoming and outgoing connections, along with their respective status and the applications associated with those connections. This capability is crucial for identifying any unauthorized or unusual remote connections, which may suggest malicious activity.

By using Netstat, Malik can quickly assess which ports are open and which IP addresses are connecting to his system, allowing him to pinpoint any potentially harmful connections. This visibility is essential for effective network security management and troubleshooting.

Understanding network connections is not as directly addressed by other options. For instance, while Ipconfig displays network configuration details, it does not provide real-time connection information. Ping is useful for testing the reachability of a host, but does not give details about active connections. Traceroute can show the path data takes to reach a specific server, but it does not indicate current connections either. Netstat stands out because of its focus on revealing established and listening connections, making it a vital tool for investigating suspicious activity.