Question

The process of gaining unauthorized access to a computer system or network, is referred to as :

• A. Hacking
• B. Phishing
• C. Spoofing
• D. Ransomware

Hint:

Hacking is a broad term. If done for malicious reasons, it is called Black-hat hacking (cybercrime). If done with authorization to improve security, it is called White-hat hacking (Ethical Hacking).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Defining Cyber Threats and Behaviors:
Let's analyze each security-related concept to differentiate their actions and vectors:

Step 2: Evaluating the Options:

• (A) Hacking: The acts of identifying vulnerabilities in computer systems or networks to exploit them and gain unauthorized access to data, hardware, or admin accounts.
• (B) Phishing: A social engineering attack vector where attackers send deceptive communications (like fake emails) designed to trick users into revealing sensitive data (like passwords or credit card numbers).
• (C) Spoofing: The act of disguising a communication from an unknown source as being from a known, trusted source (e.g., email address spoofing or IP spoofing).
• (D) Ransomware: A specific category of encrypting malware that holds system files hostage, demanding cryptocurrency payments to unlock them. Therefore, (A) is the broad and correct term representing unauthorized network/system intrusion.