Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Cybersecurity Practice Test

What characterizes unsolicited emails?

1. They are always harmful

2. They are often sent to a large number of recipients

3. They come from trusted sources

4. They are usually encrypted

The correct answer is: They are often sent to a large number of recipients

Unsolicited emails, commonly known as spam, are typically characterized by their distribution method, which involves sending messages to a large number of recipients without their prior consent. This mass mailing approach is designed to reach as many individuals as possible, often promoting products, services, or engaging in phishing attempts. The nature of unsolicited emails is aimed at generating responses or clicks from recipients, regardless of their interest in the content. The other options present characteristics that do not accurately describe unsolicited emails. While unsolicited emails can sometimes be harmful, they are not always so; some may simply advertise legitimate products. Unsolicited emails do not come from trusted sources; rather, they often originate from unknown or dubious entities aiming to exploit unsuspecting recipients. Additionally, unsolicited emails are usually not encrypted, as encryption is associated with secure communications, whereas spam often lacks basic security measures.