Ethical Hacking Essentials Practice Test

Which of the following methods does not cause physical damage but utilizes network resources?

1. Trojan

2. Hoax Letter

3. Ransomware

4. Whaling

The correct answer is: Hoax Letter

The method that does not cause physical damage but utilizes network resources is the hoax letter. A hoax letter is typically a fraudulent message that may circulate through email or other communication channels, misleading individuals into believing false information. It can manipulate behavior or actions without causing any immediate damage to physical systems or data. Hoax letters rely on social engineering tactics to deceive recipients, often requesting personal information or prompting them to forward the message, which drains network resources due to the additional traffic created. Unlike malware or phishing attacks that involve the installation of malicious software or direct theft of data, hoax letters simply spread misinformation or create panic without the intention or capability to inflict direct harm on physical assets or systems. The other methods mentioned, such as Trojans, ransomware, and whaling, involve malicious activities that either compromise security, steal data, or exploit financial resources while often leading to tangible impacts on systems or individuals’ assets.