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200-201 Practice Question: Receiving an email with an urgent request to…
A user reports receiving an email with an urgent request to click a link and reset a password. The email appears to come from the company's IT department but has slight spelling errors. Which type of attack is this?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between generic phishing and spear phishing by including a detail that indicates targeting (like referencing a specific department or role), leading candidates to incorrectly choose 'Phishing' when the scenario clearly shows targeted customization.
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 is a targeted phishing attack where the attacker customizes the email content for a specific individual or group, often using internal details (like the IT department) to increase credibility. The presence of slight spelling errors is a common indicator of a phishing attempt, but the targeted nature (appearing to come from the company's IT department) distinguishes this as spear phishing rather than generic phishing.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Phishing
Why it's wrong here
Phishing is broader and less targeted, while this email is personalized.
- ✓
Spear phishing
Why this is correct
Spear phishing is targeted, often impersonating a trusted entity.
- ✗
Whaling
Why it's wrong here
Whaling targets high-profile executives, not typical users.
- ✗
Vishing
Why it's wrong here
Vishing uses voice communication, not 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.