Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Cybersecurity Practice Test

What characterizes a spear phishing attack?

1. A generic email sent to many recipients

2. A targeted scam aimed at specific individuals or organizations

3. Software designed to enhance email security

4. An automated response system

The correct answer is: A targeted scam aimed at specific individuals or organizations

A spear phishing attack is characterized by its targeted nature, aiming at specific individuals or organizations rather than a broad audience. This method differentiates it from other forms of phishing, such as generic phishing attacks that typically involve mass emails sent to numerous recipients with the hope of catching a few individuals' attention. In the case of spear phishing, attackers often personalize their messages, using information about the victim that they have gathered from various sources to make the email appear legitimate. For instance, they may mention the victim's name, position, or organization, or reference a recent event related to them. This personal touch is what makes spear phishing particularly dangerous, as it can lead victims to unwittingly divulge sensitive information, click on malicious links, or download harmful attachments. The other options do not describe spear phishing accurately. The first option refers to generic phishing methods, the third pertains to security software, and the fourth relates to automated systems, all of which do not align with the targeted tactics involved in spear phishing attacks.