Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A help desk technician receives an SMS claiming to be from the mobile carrier. The message says the user's corporate number will be suspended unless they open a link and confirm an MFA code. The user has not reported any account issues. What attack is this?
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.
A
Distractor review
Spear phishing
Spear phishing is targeted deception, but this message is specifically delivered by text message rather than email or another channel.
B
Best answer
Smishing
Smishing is phishing delivered through SMS, and the attacker is using urgency and a fake carrier notice to steal credentials or MFA codes.
C
Distractor review
Vishing
Vishing uses voice calls, such as a phone conversation with a fake support agent, not a text message link.
D
Distractor review
Baiting
Baiting typically tempts a victim with something enticing, like free media or hardware, rather than a service suspension warning.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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.
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More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
Question 1
A laptop is suspected of being used in a malware incident. It is still powered on and connected to Wi-Fi. What should the responder do before shutting it down?
Question 2
An employee reports a ransomware note on a file server. The server is still powered on, shares are still being accessed, and management wants service restored as quickly as possible. What should the incident response team do first?
Question 3
An employee reports a ransomware note on a finance laptop. The laptop is still powered on, connected to Wi-Fi, and the user says they were just working in a spreadsheet. Management wants the fastest safe response that also preserves evidence. What should the responder do first?
Question 4
You are handed a company laptop suspected in an insider theft case. Legal says the evidence may be needed in court. Which action best preserves admissibility?
Question 5
A developer wants to reduce the risk of SQL injection in a new customer search form. Which two changes are the best mitigations? Select two.
Question 6
A branch office uses a flat LAN, and a compromise on one user workstation could spread quickly to finance systems. Management wants finance workstations isolated from general users, but finance staff still need access to a central finance application and network printer. What is the best design change?
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SY0-701 question test?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Smishing — This is smishing because the attacker is using an SMS message to pressure the user into clicking a link and revealing an MFA code. The content is designed to create urgency and mimic a trusted provider, which is common in mobile-targeted phishing. Because the message arrives by text and tries to move the user to a malicious site, the most specific label is smishing rather than the broader term phishing. Why others are wrong: Spear phishing can also be targeted, but it usually refers to messages sent through email or another non-SMS channel. Vishing is performed by voice call, not text. Baiting relies on enticing the victim with a lure, such as free media or hardware, rather than threatening account suspension and asking for verification.
What should I do if I get this SY0-701 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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