Which term describes phishing targeted at high-profile executives to obtain confidential information?

Which term describes phishing targeted at high-profile executives to obtain confidential information?

• A. Whaling attack
• B. Phishing
• C. Elicitation
• D. Quid Pro Quo

Answer: (A)

This targets high-profile individuals with tailored deception to steal sensitive data. Whaling focuses on senior executives by impersonating trusted figures or roles (like a CEO, CFO, or board member) and crafting messages that seem legitimate and urgent, prompting actions such as revealing credentials or authorizing transfers. Its effectiveness comes from exploiting authority and the perceived seriousness of executive-level communications, making it a specialized form of phishing aimed at the top tier of an organization. Generic phishing, by contrast, casts a wide net without focusing on a specific high-status target. Elicitation involves drawing information out through conversations or social interactions rather than through a crafted impersonation email. Quid Pro Quo relies on offering something in return for information, which is a different social-engineering approach.

This targets high-profile individuals with tailored deception to steal sensitive data. Whaling focuses on senior executives by impersonating trusted figures or roles (like a CEO, CFO, or board member) and crafting messages that seem legitimate and urgent, prompting actions such as revealing credentials or authorizing transfers. Its effectiveness comes from exploiting authority and the perceived seriousness of executive-level communications, making it a specialized form of phishing aimed at the top tier of an organization.

Generic phishing, by contrast, casts a wide net without focusing on a specific high-status target. Elicitation involves drawing information out through conversations or social interactions rather than through a crafted impersonation email. Quid Pro Quo relies on offering something in return for information, which is a different social-engineering approach.