Question 1easymultiple choice
Full question →easymultiple choiceObjective-mapped
An employee gets a text message saying their mobile carrier will suspend service unless they tap a link and verify their account details. What type of 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
Best answer
Smishing, because the attacker is using SMS messages to trick the user
Smishing is phishing delivered through text messages, often with urgent account or delivery claims.
B
Distractor review
Vishing, because the attacker is using a voice call to pressure the user
Vishing uses a phone call or voice channel, not a text message with a link.
C
Distractor review
Baiting, because the attacker is offering a free service upgrade
Baiting usually relies on a tempting lure, while this message uses urgency and account fear.
D
Distractor review
Tailgating, because the attacker is trying to enter a building behind someone else
Tailgating is a physical access attack and has nothing to do with SMS messages.
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, because the attacker is using SMS messages to trick the user — The correct answer is smishing. Smishing is phishing carried out through SMS or text messaging, often by pretending to be a bank, carrier, delivery company, or internal help desk. The attacker here is using urgency and a link to push the user into revealing information. The delivery method matters: because it happens by text, the right term is smishing, not email phishing or voice-based vishing. Why others are wrong: Vishing is conducted by phone call, not text. Baiting usually offers something tempting to entice action, such as a free item or download. Tailgating is a physical security problem at doors or entrances, not a mobile-message scam.
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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