Which of the following describes a computer-based social engineering attack that tricks users into revealing personal information?

Prepare for the EC-Council Certified Secure Computer User Test with interactive flashcards and targeted questions. Gain insights with each answer and boost your exam readiness!

The term that describes a computer-based social engineering attack specifically designed to deceive users into divulging personal information is phishing. Phishing involves tactics such as sending fraudulent emails or messages, often appearing to be from reputable sources, to manipulate individuals into providing sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or Social Security numbers.

Phishing attacks typically create a sense of urgency or a compelling reason for the recipient to act quickly, which lowers their defenses and increases the likelihood of them falling victim to the scam. This technique exploits social engineering principles by leveraging trust and human emotions to achieve its objective.

In contrast, hacking generally refers to the act of Unauthorized access to, or manipulation of a computer system or network, which does not specifically focus on tricking individuals into providing their information willingly. Scamming is a broader term that encompasses various fraudulent schemes, but it may not specifically use digital methods to target users for their personal data. Spyware, on the other hand, refers to malicious software that clandestinely monitors a user's activities and collects their information without their knowledge, rather than directly soliciting that information through deception.

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