What is direct social engineering?

Direct social engineering refers to tactics where an attacker interacts with a target in real-time to manipulate or deceive them into providing sensitive information or access. This can occur through various communication methods, including phone calls, where the attacker leverages their voice to create a sense of trust or urgency. By directly engaging with a victim, the attacker can influence their decisions and actions more effectively than through indirect means like email phishing.

This method capitalizes on the ability of the attacker to adapt their approach based on the victim's responses, allowing for a more personalized and convincing interaction. Direct social engineering exploits psychological principles such as authority, urgency, and the desire to help, making it a potent technique for those aiming to bypass security measures through human interaction.

Other options, such as email phishing or automated calls, involve indirect forms of social engineering or different attack vectors that do not encompass the personal, real-time interaction characteristic of direct social engineering.