What is a typical characteristic of malware that employs stealth techniques?

A typical characteristic of malware that employs stealth techniques is its ability to remain undetected while modifying system files. Stealth techniques are designed specifically to evade detection by security software and the user, allowing the malware to operate quietly in the background. By modifying system files or configurations without raising alarms, the malware can maintain persistence on the system, ensuring that it continues to operate without interference.

The other options do not align with the fundamental nature of stealthy malware. For instance, speeding up the operation of the host system would be counterproductive for malware, which generally aims to exploit resources, not enhance performance. Creating backups of desired files doesn’t represent a stealth characteristic, as this action would typically involve notifying the user or being transparent about its operations. Lastly, malware that notifies the user of its presence undermines its stealthy objectives; effective malware must remain hidden to maximize its impact and duration of infection.