Madhu clicks a web link in a phone message promising a free trip to a…
2022
Madhu clicks a web link in a phone message promising a free trip to a destination of her choice, then forwards it to Arun. Arun warns that the link may steal account names, login information, and passwords. Which specific credential-theft attack, rather than a broader category of deception, is described?
Answer: A. Phishing — ConceptPhishing is a social-engineering attack in which an attacker impersonates a trusted source and uses a deceptive message, link, or site to obtain…
- A.
Phishing
- B.
Spamming
- C.
Scamming
- D.
Plagiarism
Attempted by 15 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Concept
Phishing is a social-engineering attack in which an attacker impersonates a trusted source and uses a deceptive message, link, or site to obtain sensitive information. The defining mechanism is credential or data theft through deception, not merely sending unwanted messages.
Application
Here, the message offers an attractive free trip and directs Madhu to a web link. Arun warns that account names, login details, and passwords may be stolen; this is the characteristic lure-and-credential-theft pattern of phishing.
Contrast
Phishing uses a deceptive communication or website to capture confidential data such as login credentials.
Spamming is the bulk distribution of unsolicited messages; its defining feature is volume and lack of consent, not credential capture.
Scamming is a broad category of fraudulent schemes, while phishing specifically uses impersonation and deceptive digital prompts to steal sensitive information.
Plagiarism is presenting another person’s words or ideas as one’s own; it concerns attribution rather than credential theft.
Result
Therefore, the attack described is phishing.