Final answer:
Option B: A synonym for phishing is email spoofing. Email spoofing is used in phishing to trick victims by appearing to be a trusted sender, unlike pretexting, hardening, or system hacking which have different purposes.
Step-by-step explanation:
A synonym for phishing is B) email spoofing. Phishing is a type of social engineering attack often used to steal user data, including login credentials and credit card numbers. It occurs when an attacker, masquerading as a trusted entity, dupes a victim into opening an email, instant message, or text message. Email spoofing is a tactic commonly used in phishing attacks, where the attacker forges the header of an email so that it appears to be sent by someone other than the actual source. Hence, it serves as the mechanism to deceive recipients as necessary in phishing schemes.
Pretexting, hardening, and system hacking do not directly associate as synonyms for phishing. Pretexting involves creating a fabricated scenario to obtain personal information. Hardening refers to securing a system by reducing its attack surface and vulnerabilities. System hacking means gaining unauthorized access to a computer or network.
Email spoofing is a synonym for phishing. It involves an attacker sending emails that appear to be from a legitimate source in order to deceive the recipient into revealing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links.
Pretexting, on the other hand, refers to a form of social engineering where an attacker creates a false identity or scenario to trick someone into providing confidential information. This is not specifically related to phishing.
Hardening refers to the process of securing a system or network to reduce vulnerability to attacks, but it is not a synonym for phishing. System hacking involves gaining unauthorized access to a computer system, which is different from phishing.