Which type of attack would include an email with an attachment named not-a-trojan.exe?

The correct answer is that this scenario represents a phishing attack. Phishing involves fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, or financial details, typically by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in electronic communication. In this case, an email with an attachment named "not-a-trojan.exe" is designed to trick the user into clicking it, leading to potential malware installation or data compromise.

Phishing attacks often rely on social engineering tactics, with their success hinging on the recipient believing that the email is legitimate. The playful use of an attachment name like "not-a-trojan.exe" further suggests deception, as it seeks to allay the user's suspicions about the nature of the file.

Contextually, while spamming refers to sending unsolicited bulk messages, it does not necessarily involve malicious intent or deceptive practices aimed at tricking recipients. Spear phishing and whaling are both more targeted forms of phishing; spear phishing focuses on individuals or specific companies, whereas whaling targets high-profile individuals, such as executives. However, the generalized nature of the provided email scenario best aligns with basic phishing tactics.