Which attack method involves persuading people to reveal confidential information without breaking into systems?

Which attack method involves persuading people to reveal confidential information without breaking into systems?

• A. Google Hacking
• B. Social Engineering
• C. Footprinting
• D. System and Network Attacks

Answer: (B)

Manipulating people to reveal confidential information is social engineering. This attack relies on human psychology rather than breaking into systems or exploiting software flaws. The attacker persuades someone to disclose passwords, security questions, or other sensitive data by impersonating a trustworthy person, creating a convincing pretext, or using urgency and fear. Since it targets people rather than technology, strong technical defenses alone often aren’t enough—you need awareness, verification steps, and policies to counter these social tricks. By contrast, Google Hacking looks for exposed data via search queries, Footprinting involves gathering information about a target, and System and Network Attacks focus on exploiting technical vulnerabilities in systems or networks.

Manipulating people to reveal confidential information is social engineering. This attack relies on human psychology rather than breaking into systems or exploiting software flaws. The attacker persuades someone to disclose passwords, security questions, or other sensitive data by impersonating a trustworthy person, creating a convincing pretext, or using urgency and fear. Since it targets people rather than technology, strong technical defenses alone often aren’t enough—you need awareness, verification steps, and policies to counter these social tricks. By contrast, Google Hacking looks for exposed data via search queries, Footprinting involves gathering information about a target, and System and Network Attacks focus on exploiting technical vulnerabilities in systems or networks.