Which of these social engineering attacks sends emails that target specific individuals?

The correct answer is B. Spear phishing. Spear phishing (B) is a targeted email attack crafted for a specific individual or organization, often using personalized information to appear legitimate. Whaling (A) is a subtype of spear phishing that specifically targets high-level executives (CEOs, CFOs), making it more…

Domain 1: Security Principles

Question

Options

AWhaling
BSpear phishing
CPharming
DVishing

How the community answered

(31 responses)

A
3% (1)
B
87% (27)
C
3% (1)
D
6% (2)

Explanation

Spear phishing (B) is a targeted email attack crafted for a specific individual or organization, often using personalized information to appear legitimate. Whaling (A) is a subtype of spear phishing that specifically targets high-level executives (CEOs, CFOs), making it more specific than spear phishing generally. Pharming (C) redirects users from legitimate websites to fraudulent ones by poisoning DNS, and doesn't involve targeted email. Vishing (D) is voice phishing conducted over phone calls, not email.

Topics

#Social engineering#Phishing#Email security#Cybersecurity threats

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