CompTIA Exam SY0-701 Topic 5 Question 33 Discussion

Actual exam question for CompTIA's SY0-701 exam

Question #: 33
Topic #: 5

A systems administrator receives a text message from an unknown number claiming to be the Chief Executive Officer of the company. The message states an emergency situation requires a password reset. Which of the following threat vectors is being used?

ATyposquatting

BSmishing

CPretexting

DImpersonation

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: B

Smishing is a type of phishing attack that uses SMS text messages to deceive recipients into taking actions such as revealing sensitive information. The urgency in the text indicates this vector. Reference: CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 Study Guide, Domain 2: Threats, Section: 'Social Engineering Techniques'.

by Cecilia at Jan 25, 2025, 05:47 AM

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Ronald

5 months ago

I'm going with impersonation on this one. Whoever sent that text is trying to pose as the CEO and exploit the admin's trust. C'mon, everyone knows the real CEO would just call if there was an emergency!

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Devora

4 months ago

D: Impersonation for sure. Always better to be safe than sorry with these kinds of messages.

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Lino

5 months ago

C: Smishing is also a possibility, but impersonation seems more likely in this case.

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Marilynn

5 months ago

B: I agree, it's a classic impersonation tactic to trick the admin.

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Lauryn

5 months ago

A: Definitely impersonation. The CEO wouldn't text for a password reset.

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Fanny

5 months ago

I see your point, but I still think it's Impersonation because they're pretending to be someone they're not.

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Lavonna

5 months ago

But what about Pretexting? They could be using a fake emergency.

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Tu

5 months ago

Hmm, I'd say this is a case of pretexting. The attacker's trying to create a plausible scenario to manipulate the admin into giving up sensitive info. Clever, but not clever enough!

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Arlyne

5 months ago

Smishing, huh? I bet the CEO's phone got hacked, and now the attacker is trying to phish for that password. Not falling for that one, I'm gonna double-check that message!

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Minna

4 months ago

Impersonating the CEO is a classic tactic for these types of attacks.

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Linette

4 months ago

I've heard of similar scams before, it's important to stay vigilant.

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Earleen

5 months ago

Definitely, always better to double-check before giving out any sensitive information.

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Rolland

5 months ago

I think you're right, that sounds like a smishing attack.

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Earlean

5 months ago

Definitely a red flag, always better to verify before giving out any sensitive information.

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Melissia

5 months ago

I think you're right, it sounds like a classic smishing attack.

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Nichelle

5 months ago

I agree, the CEO wouldn't text for a password reset.

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Milly

6 months ago

I think it's Impersonation.

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Kiley

6 months ago

Wow, this is a classic case of impersonation! The CEO's text message is clearly a pretext to trick the admin into resetting the password. Gotta watch out for those clever social engineering tactics.

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Yuette

5 months ago

C: Pretexting is a sneaky tactic. Stay vigilant against social engineering attacks.

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Hollis

6 months ago

B: Smishing is a serious threat. Always verify before taking action.

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Kristian

6 months ago

A: Definitely impersonation. The CEO wouldn't ask for a password reset over text.

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