220-1102 Practice Question: A user receives a phone call from someone…

Answer choices

Why each option matters

Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.

Answer analysis

Why the other options are wrong

Understanding why incorrect options are tempting is as important as knowing the correct answer.

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  Phishing

  Phishing usually occurs through electronic communication, such as email or fraudulent websites, not a phone call.

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  Tailgating

  Tailgating is when an unauthorized person follows an authorized person into a restricted area, usually physically, not via phone.

• ✗

  Shoulder surfing

  Shoulder surfing is directly observing a user's screen or keyboard to obtain information, not relevant to a phone call.

Technical deep dive

How to think about this question

Pretexting is a form of social engineering where an attacker creates a fabricated scenario, or 'pretext,' to manipulate a victim into divulging sensitive information or performing an action. In this specific scenario, the attacker invents the pretext of being from the IT security team and claims the user's account has been compromised. This elaborate story is designed to establish a sense of urgency and authority, making the user more likely to comply with the request to 'verify' their password. The key characteristic of pretexting is the development of a believable, though false, narrative that justifies the request for information. It often involves impersonation and a carefully constructed story to overcome the victim's natural caution. This differs significantly from the other options. Phishing, while also aiming to acquire sensitive information, primarily relies on electronic communication like emails or fake websites that mimic legitimate sources, often casting a wide net rather than targeting a specific individual with a tailored story. Tailgating is a physical security breach where an unauthorized individual follows an authorized person into a restricted area, completely unrelated to a phone call. Shoulder surfing involves direct visual observation of a user's screen or keyboard to steal information, which is also a physical act and not applicable to a remote phone interaction. The phone call and the invented story are the defining elements that make this a clear case of pretexting.

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