Maria Varmazis, host of N2K's T-Minus, shares her unique insights as she explores the five types of social engineers she encountered while bartending. Each bar personality serves as a metaphor for common cybersecurity threats. The conversation also highlights the rise of tech support scams and the alarming tricks used to exploit the elderly. Additionally, there are hilarious anecdotes about car-selling scams and an analysis of a viral AI-generated hoax. It’s a lively mix of humor and caution, perfect for those curious about social engineering in everyday life.
Social engineering tactics mirror barroom personalities, teaching vital lessons about cybersecurity risks and the importance of verification protocols.
Tech support scams are increasingly targeting less tech-savvy users, emphasizing the need for awareness of exit strategies to prevent victimization.
Deep dives
Rising Threat of Tech Support Scams
Tech support scams are increasingly locking users out of their computers, often targeting less tech-savvy individuals. Scammers employ tactics that freeze screens and make it difficult for victims to regain control, leading them to call for help from the scammers themselves. Awareness about simple exit strategies and keyboard shortcuts can help users avoid falling for these traps. Sharing this information with friends and family can empower individuals to recognize and respond appropriately to such scams.
Social Engineers in Bar Settings
The dynamics of social engineering can be illustrated through various character types encountered in bar environments, as detailed in a blog post by an aspiring InfoSec expert. For instance, the 'information gatherer' is a person who knows others' business and represents the risks of information leakage in cybersecurity. The 'credential masquerader' often claims connections to persuade trust, paralleling the importance of verification protocols in preventing unauthorized access. These analogies highlight how manipulative tactics in social settings can be reflected in cyber attacks, emphasizing the need for awareness and caution.
AI-Generated Viral Hoaxes
The phenomenon of AI-generated posts, often referred to as 'AI slop,' is gaining traction online, particularly during events like Halloween. A viral post claiming a neighbor egged a car has been scrutinized due to unrealistic features in the accompanying photos, suggesting the images were artificially created. These posts exploit empathy and outrage, prompting widespread sharing and engagement despite their dubious nature. Such patterns reveal the ongoing challenge of distinguishing genuine content from fabricated stories in the digital landscape.
The Resurgence of Old-School Scams
A recent pigeon drop scam in Prince George's County involved a con where suspects approached an elderly victim, claiming to have found a bag of cash and asking for collateral to secure a supposed charitable donation. This classic scam saw individuals being persuaded to withdraw significant amounts of money, highlighting how traditional scams are still effective and relevant. Four suspects were apprehended after attempting to target another elderly person, showcasing law enforcement's role in combatting these deceptive schemes. The persistence of such tactics underscores the need for vigilance among potential victims, especially within vulnerable populations.
Maria Varmazis, host of N2K's daily space show T-Minus, joins Dave and Joe to share the story of the five types of social engineers Deanne Lewis encountered while tending bar, revealing how each barroom personality reflects a common cybersecurity threat. Our hosts share some follow-up from a friend of the show, JJ, who reports a rise in tech support scams targeting non-tech-savvy users by locking their screens and persuading them to call scammers, often leading to credit card fraud and unauthorized remote access through tools like AnyDesk or TeamViewer. Joe has two stories this week: one covering JPMorgan Chase's lawsuits against individuals who exploited an ATM glitch to withdraw fake deposits, a scam popularized on TikTok; and the second on four suspects in Maryland charged with conning an elderly woman out of nearly $40,000 in a "pigeon drop" scam, where victims are promised a cut of "found" money in exchange for collateral. Dave's story is on a viral AI-generated hoax spreading on Facebook, where fake posts about neighbors egging cars over Halloween decorations are stirring moral panic and sowing distrust, especially among older users. Finally, our catch of the day comes from some text threads about a scammer trying to get clever while buying a used car.