Question 1hardmultiple choice
Full question →hardmultiple choiceObjective-mapped
Exhibit
Help desk voicemail transcript: 'Hi, this is Elena from identity operations. I opened ticket INC-7712 because your MFA app is out of sync. Read me the 6-digit code that just arrived so I can clear the lockout before payroll closes.' Ticketing system: no open ticket INC-7712 exists Caller ID displayed: corporate main line
Based on the exhibit, which social engineering 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
Phishing
Phishing usually relies on deceptive email or web content, not a live voice call requesting codes.
B
Best answer
Vishing
The attacker is using a phone call to impersonate support staff and pressure the user into sharing an MFA code. That is voice-based phishing, or vishing. The fabricated ticket number, urgency around payroll, and caller ID spoofing are classic social engineering clues. The goal is credential or factor theft through a believable phone pretext rather than a malicious link or attachment.
C
Distractor review
Baiting
Baiting depends on enticing the victim with something attractive, such as a free download or USB device.
D
Distractor review
Pretexting
Pretexting is the broader tactic of inventing a believable story, but the question asks for the specific channel used here.
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: Vishing — This is vishing because the attacker is using a telephone call as the delivery method while pretending to be an internal support contact. The caller creates urgency, references a fake ticket, and asks for the MFA code, which is a common way to steal a second factor. Although pretexting is part of the technique, vishing is the more precise label because the attack occurs over voice communication. Why others are wrong: Phishing is generally email- or web-based, so it does not match the voice call in the exhibit. Baiting would involve luring the victim with something tempting, such as a gift or media file, which is not shown. Pretexting describes the false story being used, but vishing is the more specific classification because the attack is delivered through a phone call.
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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