Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A security analyst receives reports that several employees are being redirected to a fraudulent login page after typing the correct URL for a company application into their browser. Further investigation reveals that the company's internal DNS server has been compromised. Which type of attack best describes this scenario?
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
Phishing
Phishing involves sending deceptive emails or messages that trick users into clicking malicious links or providing sensitive information. In this scenario, users typed the correct URL and were redirected, so no click on a malicious link occurred.
B
Distractor review
Spear phishing
Spear phishing is a targeted phishing attack aimed at specific individuals or groups. The scenario describes a DNS compromise affecting multiple employees, but there is no indication of targeted messaging or personalization.
C
Best answer
Pharming
Pharming redirects users to fraudulent websites by compromising DNS servers or host files, even when the correct URL is entered. The DNS server compromise in this scenario is a classic pharming technique.
D
Distractor review
Vishing
Vishing (voice phishing) uses phone calls or voicemail to trick victims into revealing information. This scenario involves redirection through a compromised DNS server, not voice communication.
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: Pharming — Pharming is an attack that redirects users from legitimate websites to malicious ones, even when the user enters the correct URL. This is typically achieved by compromising DNS servers or modifying host files. In this scenario, the DNS server compromise allows the attacker to reroute traffic to a fake login page, which matches the definition of pharming. Phishing requires a user to click a malicious link, which was not the case here. Spear phishing is a targeted form of phishing, also not applicable. Vishing involves voice communication, which is not relevant.
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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