Exploitation doesn’t always target systems – it targets minds.
Phishing isn’t about tech. It’s about trust.
Pretexting – Build the Story, Bypass the Shield
The attacker becomes someone you expect:
- IT support asking for a “quick verification”
- HR requesting tax forms
- A vendor following up on a payment
Familiar voice. Realistic timing. No malware needed – just belief.
Urgency – Short-Circuit the Rational
You’re locked out. Your job’s at risk. Your account’s compromised.
Act now or suffer.
That’s the message – and in the panic, logic dies.
Cognitive Bias – The Brain’s Backdoors
- Authority Bias – You don’t question the CEO.
- Reciprocity – You click for those who “helped” you.
- Scarcity – “Last chance” offers override caution.
Realism – The Perfect Lure Looks Boring
The best phish isn’t flashy. It’s routine.
- Internal doc shares
- Calendar invites
- Real URLs cloaked in trust
Smart people click because they’re human.
Hackers know that.
Do you?
DeadSwitch | The Cyber Ghost
“In silence, we rise. In the switch, we fade.”
Tom's IT Cafe 