Ethical Hacking Essentials Practice Test

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Which type of attack typically involves exploiting legitimate user credentials to gain access?

Insider Attack
Phishing Attack
Ransomware Attack
Botnet Attack

The correct answer is: Insider Attack

An insider attack involves exploiting legitimate user credentials, as the attacker often has access to sensitive information and resources by virtue of their position within the organization. This type of attack can occur when a trusted individual, such as an employee or contractor, misuses their authorized access to achieve malicious goals, such as stealing data or compromising systems. In contrast, other types of attacks listed do not predominantly rely on the use of existing credentials. A phishing attack typically involves tricking users into providing their credentials through deceptive means, rather than exploiting already active user accounts. Ransomware attacks focus on encrypting data and demanding a ransom, while botnet attacks involve a network of compromised devices executing commands on behalf of the attacker. Thus, the defining characteristic of an insider attack is its reliance on leveraging existing legitimate access, making it distinct from the other options mentioned.