Which threat involves redirecting users to fake sites by tampering with DNS or hosts files?

Which threat involves redirecting users to fake sites by tampering with DNS or hosts files?

• A. Pharming
• B. Phishing
• C. Malware
• D. Social engineering

Answer: (A)

Pharming is the tactic of redirecting you to fraudulent websites by tampering with how domain names are resolved. Attackers can alter DNS records or modify the host file on your computer so that a legitimate URL resolves to an attacker‑controlled IP address. Even if you type the correct address or click a normal link, you’ll end up at a fake site, which can steal credentials or deliver malware. This network- or machine-level redirection is unique to pharming. Phishing relies on tricking you into visiting a malicious site via deceptive messages, malware is software that causes harm, and social engineering is the broader manipulation of people to reveal information or take action. The described scenario matches pharming because it centers on redirecting users through DNS or hosts-file changes.

Pharming is the tactic of redirecting you to fraudulent websites by tampering with how domain names are resolved. Attackers can alter DNS records or modify the host file on your computer so that a legitimate URL resolves to an attacker‑controlled IP address. Even if you type the correct address or click a normal link, you’ll end up at a fake site, which can steal credentials or deliver malware. This network- or machine-level redirection is unique to pharming. Phishing relies on tricking you into visiting a malicious site via deceptive messages, malware is software that causes harm, and social engineering is the broader manipulation of people to reveal information or take action. The described scenario matches pharming because it centers on redirecting users through DNS or hosts-file changes.