iSACA Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certification Practice Exam

Which type of cyberattack is primarily motivated by political goals?

1. Cybercriminal attacks

2. Corporate espionage

3. Cyberwarfare

4. Phishing attacks

The correct answer is: Cyberwarfare

Cyberwarfare is primarily motivated by political goals, making it the correct answer to the question. This type of attack is typically conducted by state-sponsored groups or government entities targeting other nations' critical infrastructure, information systems, or public services. The objective of cyberwarfare is often to achieve strategic advantages, disrupt governmental operations, or undermine national security for political purposes. For instance, cyberwarfare can involve attacks on power grids, financial systems, or communication networks, all aiming to achieve a political outcome or to exert influence over another country's affairs. This distinguishes it from other types of attacks, which may focus on financial gain or corporate advantage rather than political objectives. In contrast, cybercriminal attacks are usually driven by the intent to profit from illegal activities, corporate espionage focuses on gaining sensitive business information for competitive advantage, and phishing attacks primarily aim to deceive individuals into providing personal data for identity theft. Hence, these alternatives do not align with the primary motivation of political objectives inherent to cyberwarfare.