Ethical Hacking Essentials Practice Test

What is characterized by obtaining information from various victims to create a new identity?

1. Synthetic Identity Theft

2. Identity Cloning

3. Financial Identity Theft

4. Medical Identity Theft

The correct answer is: Synthetic Identity Theft

Synthetic identity theft is characterized by the combination of real and fictitious information to create a new identity. This typically involves obtaining personal details from various victims, such as their social security numbers, names, or addresses, and then blending this information with fabricated data to create a credible new identity. This process allows the perpetrator to establish a false identity which can be used for various fraudulent activities, such as applying for loans or opening credit accounts, often without raising immediate suspicion. The distinction between synthetic identity theft and other forms of identity theft lies in its method: while traditional identity theft might focus on stealing the entire identity of a single individual, synthetic identity theft leverages information from multiple sources to craft something new and deceptive. This makes it particularly challenging to detect because it can make use of a combination of legitimate and invented information, thus obscuring the identity of the fraudster from authorities and financial institutions. In contrast, identity cloning involves fully taking over someone else's identity, financial identity theft focuses specifically on illegally obtaining someone's financial information for economic gain, and medical identity theft relates to the misuse of someone's identity specifically within the healthcare system for medical services or benefits. Each of these forms has different implications and methods of execution, but synthetic identity theft is unique in its composite