Which of the following refers to false information that can manipulate a user’s actions?

The correct answer highlights the concept of hoaxes, which refers to deliberately false or misleading information that can influence individuals' behaviors or decisions. Hoaxes are often designed to create confusion, panic, or mislead users into taking specific actions, such as sharing personal information or forwarding messages. In the realm of cybersecurity, recognizing hoaxes is crucial as they can lead to the distribution of misinformation, potentially causing financial loss or identity theft if users act upon them without verification.

While phishing, social engineering, and vishing involve manipulation and deceit, they have specific contexts and techniques. Phishing typically refers to attempts to acquire sensitive information by masquerading as a trustworthy source, often through emails or fake websites. Social engineering is a broader term that encompasses a variety of techniques, including psychological manipulation, to trick users into divulging confidential information. Vishing, or voice phishing, specifically uses phone calls to deceive individuals into providing personal details.

Understanding the distinction between these terms and recognizing hoaxes can help users remain vigilant against various forms of misinformation and manipulation in digital spaces.