CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601) — Question 646

An accounting intern receives an invoice via email from the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). In the email, the CEO demands the immediate release of funds to the bank account that is listed. Which of the following principles best describes why this attack might be successful?

Answer options

• A. Authority
• B. Scarcity
• C. Consensus
• D. Familiarity

Correct answer: A

Explanation

The principle of Authority is the reason this attack may succeed, as the CEO holds a high position within the organization, making the intern more likely to comply with the request. The other options, such as Scarcity, Consensus, and Familiarity, do not directly relate to the influence of a person's job title or position in a corporate hierarchy, which is the key factor in this scenario.