Cisco Cyber Security Practice Exam

What type of software often uses alerts to inform users about potential phishing threats?

1. Firewall protection

2. Antivirus protection

3. Phishing protection

4. Spyware protection

The correct answer is: Phishing protection

Phishing protection software is specifically designed to identify and mitigate phishing threats, which are attempts to deceive users into disclosing sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers, often through fraudulent emails or websites. This type of software employs various techniques to detect suspicious links, emails, and web pages, and it typically uses alerts to instantly notify users of potential phishing attempts. The alerts serve as an essential feature, as they help users take immediate action—such as avoiding clicking on malicious links or reporting suspicious emails—thereby enhancing their security posture. In contrast, firewall protection primarily focuses on monitoring and controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules, rather than directly addressing phishing threats. Antivirus protection aims to detect and eliminate malicious software, while spyware protection specifically targets software designed to gather information from users without their consent. Although all these security measures contribute to an overall cybersecurity strategy, phishing protection stands out for its targeted approach to defending against phishing threats and keeping users informed through alerts.