Ethical Hacking Essentials Practice Test

What is the primary objective of eavesdropping in the context of social engineering?

1. To gain unauthorized access

2. To gather sensitive information

3. To spread misinformation

4. To conduct surveillance

The correct answer is: To gather sensitive information

In the context of social engineering, the primary objective of eavesdropping is to gather sensitive information. Social engineering relies on manipulating individuals into divulging confidential information, and eavesdropping serves as a method to listen in on conversations or communications, allowing an attacker to collect valuable data without direct interaction. This can include personal details, passwords, or other types of sensitive information that can facilitate further attacks or unauthorized access to systems and accounts. Other options, while related concepts in the broader field of security, don't capture the essence of eavesdropping. Unauthorized access generally refers to bypassing security measures to enter a system unlawfully, spreading misinformation focuses on deceiving others for a different type of manipulation, and conducting surveillance can be broader, involving monitoring behavior but not specifically targeted toward the acquisition of sensitive information through listening. Therefore, gathering sensitive information stands out as the most accurate representation of eavesdropping's purpose in social engineering tactics.