The correct answer is phishing, because this scenario describes a social engineering attack where the attacker impersonates a trusted entity—in this case, IT Support—to trick the employee into revealing sensitive information, specifically a password, under the false pretext of system maintenance. This technique exploits human trust and urgency, making it a classic example of a phishing attempt, often delivered via email. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this type of question tests your ability to recognize social engineering tactics, distinguishing phishing from other threats like vishing (voice-based) or smishing (SMS-based). A common trap is confusing phishing with pretexting, but remember: phishing always involves a deceptive electronic message requesting data, while pretexting builds a fabricated story over time. Memory tip: “Phish for passwords with fake emails” — if an email asks for credentials, it’s phishing.
FC0-U61 Security Practice Question
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of security. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
An employee receives an email from 'IT Support' asking for his password due to 'system maintenance'. This is an example of:
Why wrong: Baiting offers something enticing, like a free download, whereas this email asks for password directly.
B
Phishing
The email impersonates IT support and requests sensitive information, typical of phishing.
C
Tailgating
Why wrong: Tailgating is physically following someone into a secure area.
D
Pretexting
Why wrong: Pretexting involves creating a fabricated scenario, but phishing often uses urgency; however, this is specifically phishing as it uses email and impersonation.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Phishing
Phishing is a social engineering attack where an attacker masquerades as a trusted entity (here, 'IT Support') to trick the victim into revealing sensitive information, such as a password. The email requesting credentials under the pretext of 'system maintenance' is a classic phishing technique, often executed via email (spear phishing if targeted). This directly matches the definition of phishing as an attempt to acquire sensitive data through deceptive electronic communication.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Baiting
Why it's wrong here
Baiting offers something enticing, like a free download, whereas this email asks for password directly.
✓
Phishing
Why this is correct
The email impersonates IT support and requests sensitive information, typical of phishing.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Tailgating
Why it's wrong here
Tailgating is physically following someone into a secure area.
✗
Pretexting
Why it's wrong here
Pretexting involves creating a fabricated scenario, but phishing often uses urgency; however, this is specifically phishing as it uses email and impersonation.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse pretexting with phishing because both involve a fabricated story, but the exam specifically tests that phishing is the correct term when the attack is carried out via email, instant message, or other electronic communication, whereas pretexting is broader and often involves direct voice or in-person interaction.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
Pretexting involves creating a fabricated scenario, but phishing often uses urgency; however, this is specifically phishing as it uses email and impersonation.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Phishing attacks often exploit email protocols like SMTP without proper authentication (e.g., SPF, DKIM, DMARC) to spoof the sender address, making the email appear legitimate. Modern phishing campaigns may use URL obfuscation or homograph attacks (e.g., replacing 'o' with '0') to trick users into visiting fake login pages. Real-world examples include the 2016 DNC email leak, where spear-phishing emails led to credential theft, demonstrating how a single compromised password can cascade into a major data breach.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the FC0-U61 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Security — This question tests Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Phishing — Phishing is a social engineering attack where an attacker masquerades as a trusted entity (here, 'IT Support') to trick the victim into revealing sensitive information, such as a password. The email requesting credentials under the pretext of 'system maintenance' is a classic phishing technique, often executed via email (spear phishing if targeted). This directly matches the definition of phishing as an attempt to acquire sensitive data through deceptive electronic communication.
What should I do if I get this FC0-U61 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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