Question

you receive an email from an old contact that is requesting that you input your email address and password to view an encrypted file. you are not expecting a file from this person. this email is most likely an example of: a) a legitimate request b) a spam email c) a phishing attempt d) a company memo

Explanation:

Phishing attempts involve tricking users into revealing sensitive information (like passwords) by posing as a trusted entity. Here, the email asks for email and password (sensitive info) from an old contact (posing as trusted), and you weren't expecting the file, so it's a phishing attempt. A legitimate request wouldn't ask for credentials unexpectedly, spam is more about unsolicited ads/messages, and a company memo is internal/official, not from an old contact asking for credentials.

Answer:

C) a phishing attempt