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

Which type of attack would include an e-mail with your name that claims to be from your bank and tells you to click the link https://chase.bankofamerica.mysite.ru?

1. Spamming

2. Phishing

3. Spear phishing

4. Whaling

The correct answer is: Phishing

The scenario presented describes an attack where an email, seemingly from a legitimate source such as a bank, urges the recipient to click on a suspicious link. This is characteristic of phishing, which is a tactic used by cybercriminals to trick individuals into divulging sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, or financial details. In this case, the email is designed to impersonate a trusted entity (the bank) and uses social engineering techniques to create a sense of urgency or fear, prompting the recipient to act without fully considering the legitimacy of the request. The URL provided is also a clear indicator, as it uses a domain that is misleading, further indicating that the intent is malicious and deceptive. Phishing attacks typically target a broad audience, but in this instance, while it seems to have personalized the email by using the recipient's name, it still lacks the targeted and personalized approach found in spear phishing and whaling. Spear phishing involves more tailored attacks aimed at specific individuals or organizations, often leveraging personal information to increase credibility. Whaling targets high-profile individuals, such as senior executives. However, the scenario describes a general phishing attempt, making it fit squarely within that definition.