CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1002) — Question 89

The Chief Executive Offer (CEO) of a company receives an email from a local bank. It states the company's account has several suspicious transactions and instructs the CEO to log in immediately to validate the transactions; otherwise, the account will be frozen. Which of the following BEST describes this email?

Answer options

• A. Spear phishing
• B. Impersonation
• C. Dumpster diving
• D. Whaling

Correct answer: D

Explanation

The email exemplifies whaling, which targets high-level executives to steal sensitive information or credentials. Spear phishing is similar but typically involves a broader target pool, while impersonation refers to pretending to be someone else without necessarily targeting executives specifically. Dumpster diving involves searching through physical trash for sensitive information, which is not relevant in this scenario.