Palo Alto Networks (PANW) Certified Cybersecurity Entry-level Technician (PCCET) Practice Exam

What type of attack focuses on gathering sensitive data from the applications of a specific target?

1. Spear phishing

2. Whaling

3. Phishing

4. Vishing

The correct answer is: Spear phishing

The correct answer focuses on spear phishing, which is a targeted approach where the attacker tailors their deceptive communications to a specific individual or organization. This method often involves gathering sensitive data by impersonating someone the target knows or trusts, such as colleagues or business partners. Spear phishing attacks are particularly dangerous because they involve detailed knowledge about the target, making the deception more convincing. Attackers gather intelligence on the victim through social media, online profiles, or other publicly available information to create a personalized message that prompts the target to provide sensitive data, such as login credentials or financial information. This precision in targeting distinguishes spear phishing from general phishing, which casts a wider net and is less tailored to individual victims. While whaling is similar in nature, it specifically targets high-profile individuals like executives or important figures within an organization. Vishing, on the other hand, involves voice phishing over the phone and does not focus so closely on data gathering from applications.