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Social Engineering Real Life Cases

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Social Engineering has become a career for modern day cyber criminals. Thieves are waiting to prey on the vulnerable, and naïve. The situations, as devastating as they are to the victims, are very real. In some cases, unfortunately, the cybercrimes are life-altering and irreparable. This paper will highlight four real-life cases where social engineering techniques were used to obtain personal and corporate information.
Electronic Communication Middle School instructor Koby used an online auction site to sell his car. (US Norton, 2016) Within a few days, the car sold and Koby removed the listing after receiving the funds. Koby logged back onto his account at a later date, and found that the same car was back up for sale with new contact …show more content…

Quid Pro Quo is the acceptance of a gift in exchange for information of some sort. (Dara Security, 2015) Kimberly Ellerth was a salesperson for a reputable department store. During her 15 months of employment, the manager solicited sexual favors in exchange for promotions. He also threatened to deny job benefits for refusal. Due to sexual harassment policy that was not being reinforced, Ms. Ellerth filed a case against the company. (Legal Information Institute, n.d.) The last real-life case is an example of tailgating. Colin Greenless, cybercriminal that was not an employee of the company being victimized, followed authorized employees into restricted areas. (Trip Wire, 2012) Greenless impersonated a delivery driver, struck up a conversation with actual employees, and walked right into the buildings with them. Greenless, playing the role of an employee, worked out of a 3rd floor meeting room for several days while using FTSE listed financial firms sensitive data. (Trip Wire, 2012) The following is an example of a phishing email:
Hello My Dear,
It is my pleasure to inform you that a cheque have been approved in your favor. The cheque value is $1.7M USD. Simply contact jerr.band.stuart with the information below so that he can sent the cheque to you immediately.
A)Full name B)Address C)Country D)City E)Age F)Cell phone number G)ID Card
Regards, Kenneth

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