What the Hack? Episode 213: Inside DEF CON’s Social Engineering Village
Aug 19, 2025
Dive into the thrilling atmosphere of DEF CON’s Social Engineering Village, where contestants master the art of persuasion to extract information from unwitting employees. Explore how tactics of manipulation blend with psychology, as participants face challenges under pressure. Discover the ethical dilemmas of social engineering and the real-world implications for cybersecurity. The conversation also touches on combating cryptocurrency scams, shedding light on the psychological strategies employed by scammers in today's digital landscape.
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Episode notes
People Are The Primary Attack Surface
- Social engineering targets people, not systems, by using charm, authority, and curiosity to extract information.
- DEF CON's Social Engineering Village demonstrates this live so defenders can see how human trust is exploited.
Use Short, Measurable Objectives In Tests
- Give contestants a soundproof booth, a headset, and a strict time limit to simulate real pressure and measure objectives.
- Use small realistic objectives (e.g., antivirus name, badge description) to model incremental steps toward a breach.
Social Engineering Is Persuasion Science
- Social engineering is effectively persuasion and communication science, overlapping with sales techniques.
- Learning it helps defenders spot influence tactics used by scammers and marketers alike.