Question 1hardmultiple choice
Full question →hardmultiple choiceObjective-mapped
An accounts payable specialist receives a reply inside an existing vendor email thread. The message uses the real invoice number, matches the vendor's usual tone, and asks the specialist to change payment instructions to a new bank account before the end of the day. The vendor later confirms its mailbox was compromised. What type of attack is most likely?
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, because the attacker targeted one employee with a convincing message.
Spear phishing is targeted, but this scenario centers on a stolen, legitimate conversation rather than only a targeted lure.
B
Best answer
Business email compromise through conversation hijacking, because the attacker used a compromised mailbox to alter a trusted thread.
This is best described as business email compromise via conversation hijacking. The attacker did not just spoof a sender; they gained access to a real vendor mailbox and inserted fraudulent payment instructions into an existing thread. That makes the message much more believable, often bypassing simple awareness checks. The key clues are the real invoice number, familiar tone, and later confirmation of mailbox compromise.
C
Distractor review
Baiting, because the attacker tried to tempt the user with urgency and financial pressure.
Baiting relies on an enticing item or offer, such as free media or a dropped USB device. It does not depend on a compromised vendor mailbox or an existing email thread.
D
Distractor review
Vishing, because the attacker is trying to persuade the user to change banking details.
Vishing is voice-based social engineering over a phone call. This attack occurs through email and a hijacked conversation, not through a live phone conversation.
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: Business email compromise through conversation hijacking, because the attacker used a compromised mailbox to alter a trusted thread. — Business email compromise through conversation hijacking is the best answer. The attacker exploited trust already built in the vendor thread, making the request appear routine and legitimate. This is more dangerous than generic phishing because the message inherits credibility from the compromised mailbox and existing context. In practice, finance teams should verify payment changes using a known-good contact method that is separate from the email thread. Why others are wrong: Spear phishing is targeted, but it does not specifically imply a compromised mailbox or an existing conversation being hijacked. Baiting is about tempting a victim with an object or offer, not manipulating an active vendor thread. Vishing is a phone-based attack, so it does not match an email-based payment change request.
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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