Robin Dreeke is back with another exciting chapter in the story of Steve and John. This week we look at how social engineers stack talents and methods:
Social Engineers “Stack” Techniques for Effectiveness
When we last left our story, Steve had taken some time to continue to lower John’s defensive shields by using validating statements and displaying non-threatening demeanor. Steve then used the elicitation technique of
“bracketing” and obtained John’s salary. John’s next task is to obtain the contract bid amount from John. Steve will also attempt to ascertain John’s date of birth. Steve will ascertain this sensitive information without asking direct alerting questions. Steve will utilize intentional misstatements, bracketing, and quid-pro-quo to obtain the information. The use of multiple techniques is known as stacking (Nolan, 1999).
Background
Following the conversation the two had concerning where John was staying, his position, and salary, Steve quickly moved the dialogue onto a much less threatening topic. Steve leaned in closer to John and asked him for his opinion. Steve said that his wife’s birthday was coming up and wanted to get her a really special gift. She was turning 40 and he wanted her to feel good about herself. Steve went on to say that she had gotten him a really nice fishing pole that he could use with his son last summer. Steve continued that it was easy, because his birthday was in the summer. Steve’s wife’s birthday was in the winter and he was at a bit of a loss. John responded that his birthday was in the winter also, but that his wife had gotten them dancing lessons one year that they really enjoyed. Steve responded that it was an excellent idea and inquired whether John was one of those unfortunate few that had his birthday during Christmas. John replied that he didn’t, it was on December 15th, but his wife’s was on Valentine’s Day. John lamented the Valentine’s Day birthday challenge. Through the course of the next few minutes, Steve and John discussed how long John and his wife had been married and how old they were when they got married. John was thoroughly enjoying his conversation and the flight was going by quickly.
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