Phishing emails frequently take advantage of high-profile catastrophes reported in the news.
Which of the following principles BEST describes the weakness being exploited?
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A. B. C. D.D.
The principle being exploited by phishing emails that take advantage of high-profile catastrophes reported in the news is Social proof.
Social proof is a psychological phenomenon where people tend to follow the actions or beliefs of others in a given situation. In the case of phishing emails, attackers use social proof to make the victim believe that the email is legitimate and trustworthy because it appears to be coming from a reputable source, such as a news organization or a government agency. By using a high-profile event in the news, attackers also create a sense of urgency and importance, making the victim more likely to act quickly without questioning the authenticity of the email.
Intimidation refers to using fear or threats to coerce someone into taking a specific action. Scarcity is the principle that people tend to perceive items as more valuable when they are limited in quantity or availability. Authority refers to the idea that people are more likely to follow the directives of those who are perceived to have greater knowledge, expertise, or power.
In summary, social proof is the principle being exploited by phishing emails that take advantage of high-profile catastrophes reported in the news. Attackers use the perception of legitimacy and urgency to make the victim more likely to follow the directives in the email without questioning its authenticity.