Ethical Hacking Essentials Practice Test

Which attack exploits instant messaging platforms to spread spam messages?

1. Vishing

2. Spamming

3. Spimming

4. SMiShing

The correct answer is: Spimming

The correct answer, which refers to the exploitation of instant messaging platforms to disseminate spam messages, is spimming. Spimming specifically targets instant messaging services, utilizing them to relay unsolicited messages or advertisement content. This type of attack harnesses the accessibility and immediate nature of instant messaging to reach a large audience quickly, often leading to annoyance for users or potential risks if the spam links work towards phishing schemes or malware distribution. While other options describe different types of attacks, they do not specifically target instant messaging services in the same way. Vishing refers to voice phishing, typically conducted over the phone, while SMiShing targets mobile devices through SMS text messages. Spamming is a broader term that can apply to various online communication channels but does not specifically limit itself to instant messaging, whereas spimming is dedicated to that medium. Thus, spimming accurately encapsulates the nature of the attack described in the question.