200-201 Security Concepts Practice Question
A security engineer is analyzing a recent breach. The attacker gained access by sending an email that appeared to be from the CEO, requesting the recipient to transfer funds. What type of social engineering attack is this?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Spear phishing
Spear phishing targets a specific individual with personalized content, often impersonating a trusted source.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Spear phishing
Why this is correct
Targeted attack on a specific person with personalized email.
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Vishing
Why it's wrong here
Vishing uses voice calls, not email.
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Phishing
Why it's wrong here
Phishing is a mass email, not personalized.
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Pretexting
Why it's wrong here
Pretexting involves fabricating a scenario, but not necessarily via email.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 200-201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 200-201 exam.