nerdexam
CompTIA

FC0-U61 · Question #96

A user, Ann, receives a call asking for her password to troubleshoot a problem. Which of the following describes this type of security threat?

The correct answer is B. Social engineering. This scenario represents social engineering, where an attacker manipulates a person into revealing confidential information, such as a password, often by impersonating a trusted entity.

Security

Question

A user, Ann, receives a call asking for her password to troubleshoot a problem. Which of the following describes this type of security threat?

Options

  • AMalware
  • BSocial engineering
  • CSpam
  • DPhysical security

How the community answered

(35 responses)
  • A
    3% (1)
  • B
    94% (33)
  • D
    3% (1)

Why each option

This scenario represents social engineering, where an attacker manipulates a person into revealing confidential information, such as a password, often by impersonating a trusted entity.

AMalware

Malware is malicious software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems, but the threat described is a human-based deception, not software.

BSocial engineeringCorrect

Social engineering is the act of manipulating individuals into performing actions or divulging confidential information, such as passwords, by exploiting human psychology and trust. The attacker calling Ann and asking for her password under the guise of "troubleshooting" is a classic social engineering tactic.

CSpam

Spam refers to unsolicited bulk electronic messages, typically emails, but this threat is an interactive phone call, not unsolicited electronic communication.

DPhysical security

Physical security involves protecting assets from physical threats like theft or damage, but this scenario describes a psychological manipulation, not a physical threat.

Concept tested: Identifying social engineering attacks

Source: https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/news/cisa-provides-information-social-engineering

Topics

#social engineering#password theft#human factor security

Community Discussion

No community discussion yet for this question.

Full FC0-U61 Practice