Which scenario best exemplifies social engineering tactics?

The scenario that exemplifies social engineering tactics involves a fraudster requesting sensitive information by impersonating an employee. Social engineering relies on manipulating human behavior to gain access to confidential information or systems, rather than exploiting technical vulnerabilities. In this case, the fraudster is leveraging trust and deception to convince a target—possibly a colleague or an employee—to divulge sensitive information, which is a fundamental aspect of social engineering techniques.

This method can be particularly effective because it preys on interpersonal relations and the tendency to help others, making individuals more susceptible to providing information they would normally protect. By posing as someone familiar and seemingly legitimate, the fraudster undermines the natural skepticism that employees might typically exercise when approached by strangers or suspicious requests.

In contrast, the other scenarios primarily involve technical methods or direct theft rather than manipulating human trust and relationships to achieve their goals. For instance, using stolen company equipment typically involves physical theft, hacking relates to unauthorized access using technical skills, and planting malware focuses on covertly compromising systems without directly involving social interaction. These tactics do not engage the psychological manipulation aspect that characterizes social engineering.