Pretexting

Pretexting is a type of social engineering attack where an attacker creates a fabricated scenario, or pretext, to manipulate a victim into divulging sensitive information or performing actions that compromise security. Here are the key aspects of pretexting:

Fabricated Story: The attacker invents a believable story to gain the victim’s trust. This could involve impersonating a trusted figure such as a coworker, bank representative, or government official.

Information Gathering: The attacker uses the pretext to gather information that can be used in further attacks. This might include personal details, login credentials, or financial information.

Manipulation Techniques: Pretexting often involves psychological manipulation, convincing the victim that the request is legitimate and urgent.

Common Scenarios: Examples include pretending to be a tech support agent asking for login details, a bank representative verifying account information, or a colleague requesting sensitive company data.

Legal Implications: Pretexting is generally illegal and can lead to charges of fraud and identity theft.

By understanding pretexting, individuals and organizations can better recognize and defend against these types of social engineering attacks.