14 DAY TRIAL // Researchers tried to determine which methods are the most efficient in social engineering operations launched by cybercriminals to get our trust and then our belongings.
Social-engineer.org released the results of a poll that tried to determine which is the best way for a social engineer to manipulate a victim, by showing affection or by faking authority? Subjects were asked to honestly state which one of the methods would make them give in faster to someone's requests.
Considering that a much larger number of male volunteers participated in the survey, the results show that endearment works best, more than half stating they would probably fall for such an attempt. While near to 30% answered that authority would be more effective, close to 15% believe that neither method would make them spill.
“Humans are naturally trusting creatures. We want to help those in need, we want to believe there is good in all people, we want to provide answers to those doing the asking. Not only that but we do all of this with more emphasis and zeal for those we consider our friends.
"So a social engineering that can endear themselves to us can create an environment that will make it next to impossible to say 'no' to any request,” reveals the author of the study.
The important lesson we must learn from this is that social engineering really works, most people being highly susceptible to one of the most classic means of attack.
These malicious acts don't target only companies, but individuals can also easily be the marks of someone who pretends to be calling from the bank or from any other institution that might require a credit card.
For companies is even worse, as the victim loses not only his personal assets, but also the possessions of others who work hard to create what a hacker can steal in just a few minutes.