easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
200-201 Practice Question: An analyst is reviewing a suspicious email…
An analyst is reviewing a suspicious email reported by a user. The email contains an attachment 'invoice.pdf' and urges the user to open it. Which indicator is most likely to confirm it is a phishing attempt?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between a suspicious element (like a PDF attachment) and a definitive indicator of phishing (like a spoofed domain), leading candidates to incorrectly choose the attachment type as the answer.
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
✓
The email was sent from a domain that looks like 'arnazon.com'.
The most definitive indicator of a phishing attempt is a spoofed sender domain that mimics a legitimate company (e.g., 'arnazon.com' instead of 'amazon.com'). This is a classic typosquatting technique used to deceive users into trusting the email's origin. While other elements like logos or PDF attachments can be part of a phishing campaign, they are not inherently malicious and are commonly used in legitimate business communications.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The email has a company logo.
Why it's wrong here
Can be easily spoofed.
- ✓
The email was sent from a domain that looks like 'arnazon.com'.
Why this is correct
Typo-squatting domain indicates phishing.
- ✗
The attachment is a PDF file.
Why it's wrong here
PDFs are commonly used but not inherently malicious.
- ✗
The email was sent during business hours.
Why it's wrong here
Normal timing; not suspicious.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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