CompTIA PenTest+ (PT0-001) — Question 80

An email sent from the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) states a wire transfer is needed to pay a new vendor. Neither is aware of the vendor, and the CEO denies ever sending the email. Which of the following types of motivation was used in this attack?

Answer options

• A. Principle of fear
• B. Principle of authority
• C. Principle of scarcity
• D. Principle of likeness
• E. Principle of social proof

Correct answer: B

Explanation

The correct answer is B, Principle of authority, because the attacker impersonated a high-ranking official (CEO) to manipulate the CFO into taking action. The other options do not apply as there was no fear, scarcity, likeness, or social proof involved in this scenario.